DAYTON, Ohio (AP) – The family of a southwest Ohio college student struck by lightning says he is beginning a long and difficult recovery. 

The University of Dayton shared the update on 23-year-old senior Sean Ferguson on their website Thursday. The marketing major from Pittsburgh was struck by lightning last week near the university's fitness center.

The Dayton Daily News and WHIO-TV report Ferguson was transported to a Pittsburgh hospital earlier this week. The university says he remains in critical but stable condition. 

Ferguson's parents say his condition has improved from a fight for his life to a lengthy and arduous recovery process filled with surgeries and rehabilitation.

The newspaper says nearly $11,000 has been donated to aid Ferguson's recovery.