A motorcycle helmet is likely what saved a man’s life Friday night after he was struck by lightning while on his sport bike.
Eugene Villines, of Greeley, is now in the burn unit at University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora. He is alert and sharing his story alongside his wife and his 9-year-old son. Villines has three broken ribs, a partially punctured lung and serious scrapes and bruises.
Villines, an active Army Guard Reserve, remembers passing the 136th Avenue exit on northbound I-25.
Eyewitnesses say there was a bright flash. Villines appeared to stand straight up in the air on his motorcycle and was then thrown from his bike.
“I heard there were maybe five or six people that stopped,” said Katie Villines, his wife. “I believe one was even an ICU nurse. We are grateful to all of you. Thank you for not just leaving my husband on the side of the road.”
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