Lightning struck two men on the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins on Thursday, killing one of the students.
It happened about 7:30 p.m. in an area called Sherwood Forest, outside the university’s Forestry Building. Both students were knocked unconscious.
William John Szlemko, a 35-year-old Ph.D. student in psychology, was pronounced dead shortly after being found. Marc Vernon Richard, 33, a graduate assistant in psychology, was taken to Poudre Valley Hospital, where he remained in intensive care Friday.
CSU officials told 9News that they believed Szlemko and Richard were practicing martial arts when a storm rolled in and lightning struck the tree above them.
Before attending CSU, Szlemko was an honors student at the University of Alaska-Anchorage, according to the school’s website.
One of Szlemko’s studies, which linked bumper stickers to road rage, was published in the June edition of the Journal of Applied Social Psychology and was reported nationally by publications including The Washington Post.
Szlemko found that motorists who have bumper stickers on their vehicle are more likely to be aggressive drivers.
The university announced Friday that counseling services for colleagues and students were available through the University Counseling Center on campus.
Students and employees may call 970-491-6053 for an appointment. The center also offers walk-in service or can travel to those in need of services.
Christopher Sanchez: 303-954-1698 or csanchez@denverpost.com
