Florida teen hit by lightning while gambling online

Cantonment, Florida- An Escambia County teenager hit by lightning while playing online poker is recovering at an area hospital.

Eddie Wilkenson was shocked yesterday afternoon when a lightning strike traveled through his home computer.

The 17-year-old says he felt a jolt go up his right arm and through his entire body. He says he couldn't move and that his body was weak.

A few minutes later, he called his mother for help. She called paramedics and drove across town to reach her son.

The family says the teen will need physical therapy to recover full use of his arm.

Eddie Wilkenson says he had been warned about using the computer in storms, but didn't take the warnings seriously.

Computers can be protected from lightning strikes by surge protectors.