Father in coma with third-degree burns after being shocked by a power line at work

On November 26, 2024By Pranco

BOSTON (Gray News) – The family of an electrician says he faces a long road to recovery after being shocked by a power line at work, leaving him with third-degree burns on half his body.

Family members say 33-year-old Michael “Mike” Papagno is in a medically induced coma at a Boston hospital. The electrician was shocked by a power line while helping transport heavy equipment in Greenland, New Hampshire, on November 12. WMUR reports.

“It is the most devastating news a father or parent can receive. Talking about my son and whether he would live or die,” said Mike’s father, Michael Papagno. “It’s the most visceral reaction you could ever imagine.”

Family members say 33-year-old Michael “Mike” Papagno remains hospitalized in a medical... — Family members say 33-year-old Michael “Mike” Papagno remains hospitalized in a medically induced coma after being shocked by a power line at work. He suffered third-degree burns on half his body.(Source: GoFundMe)

Mike Papagno suffered third-degree burns to half his body and faces a long road to recovery. according to a GoFundMe set up for his family. He married his wife Andrea last year and they have an eight-month-old daughter.

“He actually has burns on most of his body, from his nose to the belt and everywhere around. His hands are fine,” Mike’s brother, Matthew Papagno, told WJAR.

The 33-year-old has undergone several surgeries since the accident and will likely need many more.

“It’s a very, very long process and we’re just crawling out of the starting gate. But we take it day by day. Sometimes it’s for an hour or two at a time,” says Mike’s father told WFXT.

The family hopes Mike Papagno’s age and strength will help him get through this tragedy. He is described as a fun, loud and happy man who would give you the shirt off his back if you were in need.

“He’s a great father. He has so much patience and skill,” his father told WFXT. “Every day we feel more hopeful.”

The family’s GoFundMe has raised more than $176,000 to help with medical bills and loss of income while the 33-year-old remains hospitalized.

“Michael is probably the loudest in the family,” his father told WFXT. “We warned the nurses to enjoy some of this quiet time because when he wakes up he won’t be quiet… So we’re looking forward to that.”

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says it is investigating the incident to determine whether there were violations of workplace safety standards.