Electrician dad, 33, horrifically injured after freak live wire accident
A New Hampshire father has been left with third-degree burns covering more than half of his body after a horrifying freak electrical accident.
Michael Papagno, 33, who also goes by Mike, was working on moving an 18-foot-tall and 136-foot-long storage unit from Portsmouth to southern New Hampshire on Tuesday night.
While handling electric wires for the project in Greenland, the electrician mistakenly touched a power line - sending a shock through his body.
The father, who has an eight-month-old daughter, was airlifted to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and put into a medically induced coma.
Mike's father, Michael, told WMUR: 'It's the most terrible news a father or parent can receive. Talking about my son and whether he would live or die.
'It's the most visceral reaction you can ever imagine.'
Mike is expected to be in the coma for three weeks, but faces a long recovery ahead. He will need medical treatment for at least three months after he is woken up.
Doctors have already performed some skin grafts to start treating his severe burns.
Michael Papagno, 33, was severely burned in a freak electrical accident while working. He recently had a daughter, who family members said he adores
Mike's wife Andrea has been left 'speechless' by the horrific accident as Mike fights for his life
'We know there's going to be some setbacks as well as some positive steps, and we're just working to be prepared for that,' Michael told WMUR about his son's recovery.
While Mike fights for his life, his family and friends have come together to show their love for him.
A GoFundMe made on behalf of Mike's wife, Andrea, has already raised more than $133,000. Michael added his son is lucky to have a 'vast' group of friends.
The page reads: 'Michael has lived his life out of love, he grew into a man that is always described as someone who would give you the shirt off his back if you were in need.'
The heartbroken father and Mike's brother, Mathew, emphasized how much he adores his daughter.
'He has such a way with his baby,' Michael said to WMUR. 'They FaceTime with several of us throughout the week, and it's always dinner time and bath time. Michael just goes on and on and on, and she reacts so well to him. It's nice to see.'
Mike has also been a member of the 103 Advantage, an electrical union based in Massachusetts, for 13 years.
The electrical worker lived in Mansfield, Massachusetts, with his family for his entire life until he moved to Merrimack, New Hampshire two years ago.
Mike was working on moving a large storage unit across New Hampshire on Tuesday night when he was shocked by an electrical wire
Mike's daughter held his necklace (pictured). Mike's father said 'he has such a way with his baby' and said he always FaceTime calls to show her to the rest of the family
Mike was described as a caring and generous person, as his friends have traveled to see him since learning about his state of health
A GoFundMe page made on behalf of Andrea has raised over $133,000 to support Mike and his family during his recovery
Andrea wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post: 'I am speechless. I'll find the right words at some point but I am truly speechless.
'Thank you all for the love, support, donations & spreading his story.'
Bay Crane Northeast LLC had permission from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to move the equipment.
DailyMail.com has reached out to Bay Crane Northeast LLC and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation for comment.
The regional Occupational Safety and Health Administration office has launched a safety investigation into the incident, but it can be up to six months before any conclusions are drawn.
Mathew told WMUR: 'To know Michael is to love Michael. My brother is the most fun, the loudest in the room, and the life of the party everywhere he goes. He is an amazing Dad, Uncle, Son, Brother and friend.'
