College Student Paralyzed Just Weeks Before Graduation Following Frat House Fall
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A tragedy struck the University of California at Berkeley when a college senior, Bandna Bhatti, was left paralyzed after a devastating fall at the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity house on campus. The incident occurred during the celebration of “Cal Day” on April 19, just three weeks shy of Bhatti’s scheduled graduation with a degree in Data Science, as reported by KRON.
According to a verified GoFundMe page, Bhatti suffered severe injuries, including a spinal fracture, tearing of the dura with spinal fluid leakage, a scapular fracture, and a brain hematoma. These injuries are not only life-altering but also require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and support for her recovery.
Bhatti’s mother, Sukh Bhatti, expressed her daughter’s concerns about her graduation and future plans, given the paralysis. Friends of the student initially thought her injuries were not severe and took her to a nearby apartment to rest after the fall. However, it was later realized that the situation was critical, prompting a call to emergency services, as reported by KTVU.
Matt Arnold, the Chief Executive Officer of Phi Kappa Tau, expressed deep concern over the incident and assured cooperation with authorities in their investigation. The fraternity is actively looking into the circumstances surrounding the fall and prioritizing the well-being of the affected student and her loved ones during this difficult time.
UC Berkeley released a statement acknowledging the incident and emphasized their commitment to supporting the student and her family. They are following protocols to provide assistance and care in the aftermath of the tragedy. The community has come together to show support, with the student’s close friends organizing a fundraising half-marathon to aid Bhatti’s recovery.
As the investigation continues, the Berkeley Police Department has been contacted by PEOPLE for further information, but no immediate response has been received. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in fraternity houses and the need for vigilance to prevent such tragic accidents from occurring in the future.
In the wake of this unfortunate event, the UC Berkeley community is rallying around Bhatti and her family, demonstrating solidarity and compassion in the face of adversity. The road to recovery will undoubtedly be challenging, but with continued support and care, Bhatti can strive towards regaining strength and resilience in the days ahead.