Photo courtesy of the RYAN FAMILY
Tina Ryan, left, received a heart-stopping call that her husband, Michael, had been electrocuted during a construction accident on July 2.

LEWISTOWN — Medical experts tell Michael Ryan and his family that he is lucky to be alive after being electrocuted during a construction accident in Lewistown last week.

The family also credits first responders for their heroics in saving the life of Ryan — a beloved husband, father and grandfather.

The 46-year-old Ryan, who lives in McAlisterville and has worked road construction for the past few years, suffered a high voltage electric shock from indirect contact with power lines while laying a walkway in the west end of the borough.

Ryan was airlifted to Lehigh Valley Health Network Burn Recovery Center in Allentown after suffering severe third degree burns to the tops of his feet, right arm and hand. He is currently undergoing treatment but is alert and speaking.

“These burns will result in an extended hospital stay and a long recovery period,” said daughter Cheyenne Lauver, of McAlisterville.

“My dad and our family want to thank the first responders for their quick action and care that they took that day,” Lauver added. “We also want to thank our community for the continued love, support and prayer as it has not gone unnoticed. We ask for continued prayer as the road to recovery will be long.”

Ryan went off to work on July 2 like many other days. This particular job took him to Mifflin County. Michael’s wife, Tina, was at work at Dean’s Store in nearby Oakland Mills when she received a call she will never forget.

“I got a call no wife wants to get, being told that your husband has been electrocuted by 46,000 volts,” Tina wrote in a post that was shared by a family friend on social media.

Tina gathered her family and drove to Allentown.

“We will be here for quite some time,” Tina continued in her post. “We as a family appreciate all the calls, texts and messages, please know we see them even if we don’t answer.” The post was signed “The Ryan Family.”

As of Saturday night, the post had received more than 720 comments, which were mostly well wishes.

Ryan has already undergone several surgeries, the most recent was Friday.

Eric Howell, deputy chief of Fame Emergency Medical Services, said paramedics just did their job, doing everything they could to give Ryan a fighting chance at the hospital.

Well wishes and donations

The family said cards of encouragement can be mailed to:

LVH-Cedar Crest

Cedar Crest Blvd and I-78

Michael Ryan

Room 3k34

P.O. Box 689

Allentown, PA 18105-1556

There is also a box at Dean’s Store, located at 28516 Route 35 North, Oakland Mills, to collect donations for the family during this difficult time.