UC Berkeley student paralyzed from the waist down after a fall at frat party
A UC Berkeley student just weeks away from graduating became paralyzed from the waist down after a recent fall at a university fraternity event.
Bandna Bhatti's family told KTVU that on April 19, Bhatti fell from a stairway at Phi Kappa Tau on Piedmont Avenue. She was found 15 minutes later but didn't know how bad her injuries were; 911 was called seven hours later.
Bhatti, 21, is paralyzed from the waist down and has a spinal fracture and brain hematoma, according to a GoFundMe created to cover her medical costs.
'These injuries are not only life-altering but will require extensive and ongoing medical care, including physical therapy, rehabilitation, and specialized support to help her navigate this new chapter,' the web page said.
Read more: Student turns camera on man who snuck into a women's bathroom in SoCal campus
Bhatti was only three weeks away from graduating from the university with a degree in data science, according to the GoFundMe.
'Bandna is a brilliant, compassionate, and resilient young woman who has worked tirelessly toward her dreams. Now, she faces a long and difficult road ahead,' the fundraiser said.
A university spokesperson told KRON4 that the Berkeley Police Department is investigating the incident.
'UC Berkeley is aware of an ongoing police investigation regarding reports of a student being injured near or at a fraternity," according to the statement. "Our thoughts are with the student, their family, loved ones and friends during this time.'
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
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