Race driver Richard Burton of Englewood was in critical condition at Swedish Medical Center on Thursday after being struck by lightning Wednesday afternoon.
Burton had hopped on his bike to check out a car accident near his home. According to Julie Lonborg, spokesperson for Swedish, as Burton neared the scene, he was struck by lightning in the 3100 block of South Acoma Street.
Paramedics at the first accident immediately went to Burton’s aid. Thursday, Burton was receiving treatment known as post-arrest hypothermia, which cools the body for 24 hours. After the cooling, the patient is slowly rewarmed.
Through the hospital, the family thanked the community — especially the racing community at Colorado National Speedway in Dacono — for their thoughts and prayers.
Because Burton is in critical condition, visitation is limited, and flowers are not allowed. Burton is known as “The Rock” in racing circles.
Howard Pankratz, The Denver Post
