Survivors of lightning strike: “It’s a miracle that we are here”

TAYLORSVILLE — A father and daughter return home after surviving a life-threatening lightning strike one week ago.

Scott Robinson says he and his 17-year-old daughter, Chloe, were playing games as part of a Youth Conference in Fillmore, Utah, and it was barely even overcast when the lightning struck.

“I got the brunt of the lightning,” said Scott.”What would have happened, if she got the brunt? I take great meaning out of – I didn’t choose to, but I am glad I shielded her from the brunt of it.”

Scott’s heart stopped, but ward members nearby immediately started CPR.

Dave Kotter, a nurse practitioner, was going to work on Scott when Chloe started seizing. “He told me he felt strongly impressed to go to Chloe and keep her airway open,” said Scott. Meanwhile, Mary Anne Marchant started CPR on Scott.

They say EMTs arrived within minutes and took over, getting a pulse back for Scott before the ambulance ride. Scott says he was told later that if his stabilization hadn’t happened so quickly, he may not have survived.

From the hospital in Fillmore, they were flown to the University of Utah Hospital’s burn unit.

Chloe was able to return home first. She calls her recovery a miracle.

“[This miracle is] confirming that I have important things to do,” said Chloe. “And I am very glad for all these people, friends and neighbors who are helping our family. It motivates me to reach out and develop those friendships a little bit better.

Scott was released yesterday from the hospital. He has some burns, and bruised ribs and lungs. Chloe had to shave her hair because of the lightning damage but hopes it will grow back before she starts her senior year this fall.

“It’s a miracle that we are here. It’s just a miracle,” said Scott.

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