Staff report

An Orcas Power & Light Cooperative lineman critically injured after coming into contact with a high-voltage line on Lopez Island on the morning of Sept. 20, Kevin Zoerb, regained consciousness Sunday evening. He remains in critical condition in the burn unit at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, but is breathing on his own and taking nourishment, according to OPALCO.

On Sept. 20, at about 9:30 a.m., he was nearly electrocuted while working at the south end of Lopez. He was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center and admitted to the burn unit in critical condition.

The family set up a Caring Bridge site (www.caringbridge.org/visit/kevinzoerb) to provide updates and send messages to Kevin and his family. As of Monday, Sept. 23, 61 well-wishers sent messages.

A “Zoerb Family Fund” has been set up at Islanders Bank to help with expenses. Contributions can be made directly at any Islanders Bank branch.

According to Opalco, the last accident of this kind was on Oct. 14, 1980, when Opalco employee Ole Pederson was killed after coming into contact with a high-voltage line on Lopez Island.