Lightning Rips Into Playing Field, Strikes 3; One Boy Critical

PORTLAND - Two 11-year-old boys and their coach were struck by lightning yesterday when a storm disrupted an afternoon football practice at a suburban elementary school.

Christian Core of Gresham, who apparently took the brunt of the lightning bolt, was in critical condition today at Legacy Emanuel Hospital.

A bystander started CPR, saving the boy's life, said Ken Dubuc of the Gresham Fire Department.

Christian's teammate, Kyle Washburn of Troutdale, was in serious condition at the hospital with burns on his feet. His grandmother, Frances Washburn, said she was told his shoes were blown off his feet. Bystanders said the coach, Rob Porterfield, was complaining of head and neck pain.

Torn shards of blue fleece from the boy's sweat shirts were blown about 25 yards. The lightning left a small hole in the ground and a crooked path of dead grass about 15 feet long.