St. Johns County man still fighting after near-fatal lightning strike

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The family of a St. Johns County U.S. Army veteran struck by lightning more than two years ago wants to use his story to share a message about lightning safety.

Luke Shimer was standing on a covered porch in St. Augustine when he was struck in May of 2016.

Shimer suffered an anoxic brain injury -- meaning his brain was deprived of oxygen. He was in a coma for several months.

The family tells Action News Jax the progress he has made is stunning. They have even set up a Facebook page that monitors his progress with regular posts and video.

RELATED: Like Luke Shimer updates on Facebook 

“They said he’d never wake up -- and he did,” said Kari Shimer, Luke’s wife. “They said he’d never be able to eat by his mouth -- and he’s starting to.”

Every day Kari Shimer helps her husband relearn the things he used to do.

“I dress him, I bathe him, I brush his hair, his teeth,” Kari Shimer said. “I feed him, give him meds.”

According to the National Weather Service, there have been six fatal lightning strikes in Florida this year. That’s more than the annual average of 4.7 over the previous ten years.

Action News Jax Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh says storms can pop up quickly, and you should get inside immediately upon seeing darkening skies.

STORY: Jacksonville church cross explodes after being struck by lightning

“You don’t want to be underneath a tree. That's a really bad place to be,” Buresh said. “The beach, the ocean, the swimming pool, these are all places where you’re one of the tallest objects in that area. Lightning is attracted to the tallest object.”

Buresh also recommends waiting at least 30 minutes before the last clap of thunder before going back outside.

Kari wants to share her husband’s story with the hope people take these precautions.

“Luke never would have thought he was in danger standing on the wooden-covered porch,” she said. “We’ve sat out there and watched the rain so many times, but it’s dangerous.”

Kari Shimer says she’d like to connect with others who help and care for their loved ones like she does Luke. Her email is shimerbiz@gmail.com.

Cox Media Group