An electrician from New Hampshire, Mike Papagno, faced a harrowing ordeal when he came into contact with a power line last month. This incident not only left him with severe burns but also put him in a coma. However, his family's update brings a glimmer of hope as he has now awoken from the medically-induced coma.

From the Brink of Despair to a Glimpse of Recovery

Initial Incident and the Accident

On December 8th, the family of 33-year-old Mike Papagno shared the remarkable news. He was part of a team transporting an 18-foot-tall and 136-foot-long cold storage box from Portsmouth, N.H. to Brookline, Mass. in a "supermove" with state troopers accompanying them. While moving wires in Greenland, N.H., he accidentally touched the power line and suffered an electric shock. This tragic event was reported by Fox affiliate WFXT, local station WMUR, and NBC affiliate WJAR. State police stated that a lineman was electrocuted by a live main power line while moving wires for the oversized load.After the incident, Papagno was taken by helicopter to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. He had third-degree burns covering 50% of his body. He underwent three skin surgeries and grafts and is scheduled to undergo more. His brother Matt Papagno shared these details with WJAR, stating that "He’s basically got burns on most of the top of his body, so basically on his nose to the belt, and everywhere around. His hands are okay."

The Family's Struggle and Support

This is an unspeakable tragedy for the family. As they navigate through this difficult time, they are left to move forward while their loved one recovers. Michael has always lived his life out of love, always ready to give a helping hand. His wife Andrea and their 8-month-old daughter are facing an incredibly challenging situation.The GoFundMe page set up to help with his medical expenses and family care has been a source of support. As of Thursday, December 12th, it had raised over $187,000 in donations. Matt told WMUR that "He just didn’t think that many people in the world would think of him in that situation. And so, I think it’s all been really positive for him the last couple days."

The Road to Recovery and Future Outlook

Despite the challenges, Papagno has been in good spirits since waking up from his nearly three-week-long coma. He is expected to stay in the ICU until January 2025. His family and friends are by his side, providing him with the strength and support he needs. Matt described him as "a really funny person, just a really big spirit, big personality." He is trying to bribe nurses with the promise of Coca-Cola or Corona once he can eat and drink again.The local Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) office will conduct an inspection to determine if any "violations of workplace safety standards" occurred. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety.IBEW 103 immediately responded to PEOPLE's request for comment, showing their support for Papagno during this difficult time.