Lightning Hits 2 Boys, Coach; Youth in Critical Condition

Just as youthful football players thought it was safe to return to the field after a rainstorm, lightning struck, tearing the clothing off two boys and nearly killing one of them.

Christian Core, 11, who took the brunt of the lightning strike Thursday, was in critical condition Friday at Legacy Emanuel Hospital, a nursing supervisor said.

He had no pulse when a bystander revived him, said Ken Dubuc of the Gresham Fire Department.

The lightning burned Christian and another 11-year-old, Kyle Washburn, when it knocked them out. Kyle was in serious condition.

Their coach, Rob Porterfield, 36, was blown five feet through the air by the force of the strike.