Lightning victim in recovery

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, June, 2007 | by Sam Wood Inquirer Staff Writer

A Cherry Hill boy who was struck by lightning June 12 underwent surgery Tuesday to repair the severe burns he suffered.

Zachary Yizzi, 14, was burned over 38 percent of his body when a bolt erupted a week ago during a violent late-afternoon thunderstorm.

The eighth grader at Carusi Middle School underwent several skin grafts at the Temple University Hospital Burn Center. He was in critical but stable condition following surgery, his family said yesterday morning. He remains under heavy sedation and on a ventilator.

He has not been able to speak since the strike.

"Doctors have said all tests show normal or better," said his grandfather, John Foglia. "However, until he is able to speak, they will...