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A 22-year-old NOLS student died on Tuesday, August 2, after being struck by lightning, according to a release from the organization. The student was part of an Outdoor Educator Course in Wyoming’s Absaroka Mountains and was struck while in camp. Other group members performed CPR, but the student died on scene, according to NOLS. One other student was injured and airlifted to Jackson, Wyoming, by Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR). The surviving student is in stable condition.
This is the first lightning strike fatality in NOLS history. According to a 2019 risk management report by NOLS, a total of 11 students and one instructor have passed away as a result of accidents during courses since 1966. The renowned outdoor education school operates courses around the world, with thousands of students each year joining backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, kayaking, and leadership programs, among others.
According to the release, “NOLS is supporting the injured student, who remains hospitalized and in stable condition. The course stayed in the mountains overnight and will return from their journey on Wednesday, August 3.” Buckrail reported on Wednesday that two additional members of the group required an air evacuation from TCSAR due to “acute emotional reaction.”
NOLS has not released the names of those involved.