Father of 3 struck by lightning while walking with wife on Kansas farm, family says
Before a Kansas storm rolled in, a husband and wife went for a walk on their family farm.
But as they were walking on Friday, June 30, lightning struck Matthew Campbell, loved ones said. His wife, Jen, was “thrown by the force,” then she immediately started CPR and called 911.
Matthew was rushed to a hospital, where he was listed in critical yet stable condition, according to a GoFundMe from family members.
“It is a waiting game at this point to see how significantly the strike affected him,” his sister, Keli Campbell, said on the fundraising page.
Two days later, Keli Campbell said Matthew has a small liver laceration and minimal burns. He was sedated, intubated and put on dialysis so his kidneys could recover.
Matthew and Jen Campbell are parents to three children, according to the GoFundMe, and owners of Woolly Bee Farm.
“We bought an old farmhouse in Wamego and the accompanying land to start our dream - a functional family farm,” Jen wrote on their farm’s website. “We want a fulfilling and ... (knowledgeable) lifestyle for our children. We want them to grow up surrounded by the outdoors, taking responsibility for what they can, learning where their food comes from, and respecting the source of the meat we eat. We also want to share these values with our community.”
The couple harvests flowers, honey, berries, meats, eggs and garlic, which they sell at the Manhattan Farmer’s Market.
Community members and businesses in the Manhattan and Wamego area have asked for help in supporting Woolly Bee Farm.
“Please keep Matt, Jen and Family in your thoughts and prayers and if you can support in anyway, it ... would be appreciated,” the Downtown Farmers Market of Manhattan said on Facebook.
“Woolly Bee Farm joined us this past week at market,” the Wamego Community Market said. “ ... Please pray for healing and comfort as they recover from the storm injuries.”
“We have a long-standing relationship with Jen and Matt,” Radina’s Coffeehouse & Roastery said. “You may recognize Jen from her number of years with us and particularly from on the Hill. You have enjoyed their fresh-cut flowers in our lobbies and their fresh produce and honey in many of our products.”
“Our amazing friends at @woollybeefarm were in a terrible accident last night and are in desperate need of support,” Manhattan Brewing Company said. “If you know Matt and Jenn, you know how they embody the best of us.”
Wamego is about 40 miles northwest of Topeka.
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