Lance Buchi, severely burned three months ago when he fell into a thermal pool in Yellowstone National Park, was discharged Thursday from University Hospital.
Tyler Montague, also severely burned in the incident, was released from the hospital Nov. 25. A third friend, Sara Hulphers of Oroville, Wash., died as a result of her burns. The three fell into the 178-degree pool while walking at night at the park, where they were summer employees.
Buchi and Montague, both 18, face extensive physical rehabilitation, up to six hours a day, during the coming months, according to Stephen Morris, one of the surgeons directing the care of both men. "Each of them is running a marathon every day," said Morris, referring to the energy needed for their healing.
"We wish we could thank everyone personally," said Buchi's mother, Lissa Buchi, "but right now, Lance's well-being must come first. But I cannot say enough about the burn-unit team that has cared for Lance. They are family."