By Andy Newman
A Florida Keys fishing guide, who was the victim of a lightning strike while piloting his light-tackle boat in Florida Bay last Thursday, was discharged Monday from a Miami hospital.
Quick action by his charter customers, which included administering CPR, helped keep Rick Stanczyk, 44, alive until Islamorada Fire/Rescue paramedics arrived to treat and transport the Islamorada captain to shore. Subsequently, he was airlifted to HCA Kendall Florida Hospital via the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Trauma Star helicopter.
Stanczyk passed a battery of physical and neurological tests during the past few days and is expected to make a full recovery following mandatory rest, medical officials said.
“I want to express my thanks and gratitude to the hospital,” Stanczyk said. “I received exceptional care from dozens of doctors, nurses and other staff
“I am obviously indebted to my clients for their quick thinking,” he said. “And, of course, to the professionals at Islamorada Fire/Rescue and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, as well as my family, friends and everyone who helped and prayed for me.”
The eldest son of Captain Richard Stanczyk, Rick Stanczyk grew up at the iconic Bud N’ Mary’s Fishing Marina after his father acquired the Islamorada marina in 1978.
A graduate of Coral Shores High School and the University of Central Florida, Rick Stanczyk has been a professional backcountry guide since 2007.
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officers also provided support at the scene.
