Lightning Strike Player Loses Leg

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Danish footballer Jonathan Richter has had the lower part of his left leg amputated after he was struck by lightning during a match six weeks previously.

The family of the 24-year-old midfielder from FC Nordsjaelland said in a statement that his condition was improving and he would soon be moved from the intensive care unit of a Copenhagen hospital.

Richter (pictured, on the right) was struck during a friendly against FC Hvidovre on July 20 and was in an induced coma for 10 days.

Medics restarted his heart, but doctors took the decision to amputate after agreeing with the player that the damage sustained to his leg was too severe to hope for a recovery.

A message on the club's website yesterday read: "Jonathan's progress means a lot to the Richter family, friends and all involved with FC Nordsjaelland, but the family now request that all continue to respect the peace that Jonathan needs in the future as he faces tough rehabilitation."

Reuters

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/02092009/58/international-football-lightning-strike-player-loses-leg.html

Edited September 2, 2009 by cookie