Teen hospitalized after Lake Pleasant blast

Arizona authorities are investigating a fiery incident at Lake Pleasant that left a high school sophomore in critical condition.

The event occurred on October 30, the evening prior to Halloween. Sixteen-year-old Jaidynn Penberthy was injured when an object thrown into a bonfire detonated. The blast struck her directly in the face. She is currently recovering in the intensive care unit at the Arizona Burn Center in Phoenix.

Jaidynn has already undergone three surgical procedures. Her injuries include a fractured upper and lower jaw, broken cheekbones on both sides, and a broken nose. She also sustained burns to her leg and back. Her sister, Rilyne Penberthy, stated that while several attendees suffered burns, Jaidynn is the only patient with facial trauma. Rilyne explained that the group included students from multiple local high schools.

According to Rilyne, the explosion was triggered when someone tossed a vehicle shock into the flames. Investigators found other car components within the fire pit, but the shock appears to be the sole item that exploded. The stepfather, Scott Martinez, described the immediate aftermath. Friends placed the injured teen into a truck and transported her to a nearby gas station. A friend called police and stayed with her until emergency crews arrived.

Paramedics moved Jaidynn from the gas station to Deer Valley Medical Center. She was then medevacked to the Arizona Burn Center on Saturday morning. Although she cannot speak verbally, Rilyne noted that her sister is conscious and communicates by writing notes to her family.

Police are compiling a report and requesting that witnesses submit their accounts. The family has also opened a GoFundMe page to cover related expenses. Scott Martinez urged others to exercise caution around open flames, warning that a single careless act can alter lives permanently.