Montana boy left critically-ill after being struck by lightning in freak soccer field accident

A teenage boy is on life support after he was struck by lightning in a freak accident while playing soccer.

Mason Schaefer was one of three people - along with another student and a coach - struck by lightning during soccer practice at Glacier High School in Kalispell, Montana.

The teenage boy remains in an intensive care unit a week on from the August 19 tragedy.

His sister, Maddy, created a GoFundMe which has raised more than $61,000 for his treatment and to cover travel expenses and food for his family, who are out of work while they sit at his bedside.

The teenage boy remains in an intensive care unit a week on from the August 19 tragedy

By 8am on August 22, Mason's family were seeing some improvements, reporting that he was able to 'squeeze [their] hands.'

But just 36 hours later he'd taken a turn.

Maddy said: 'Mason has had some bumps in the road the last 2 days of his recovery. He remains on life support at this time. 

'We remain hopeful and are thankful for everyone's continuing support.'

The other student and the soccer coach who were also injured during the storm have since been released from hospital, Glacier High School principal Brad Holloway said.

Mason Schaefer was one of three people - along with another student and a coach - struck by lightning during soccer practice at Glacier High School in Kalispell, Montana

The severe thunderstorm hit Northwest Montana about 3pm on August 19, rolling in suddenly and lasting until about 10pm.

Glacier High School Activities Director Mark Dennehy said there were about 40 students on the field, according to Daily Interlake.

At the first sign of lightning, players were directed off the field, but within about 45 minutes the storm appeared to have died down enough to resume practice.

'And then within a couple of minutes, that's when the lightning struck,' he said.