A University of California, Berkeley, senior was left paralyzed after suffering a serious fall at one of the college's fraternity houses. Reportedly, Bandna Bhatti fell during a UC Berkeley celebration, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down just three weeks before her graduation.
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According to KTVU, the incident took place on April 19 during "Cal Day." An assortment of celebrations is held on campus, including Phi Kappa Tau's fraternity house, where Bhatti attended. She reportedly slipped off an external metal stairway and suffered a 12-foot fall at around 1 p.m. For 15 minutes, she lay motionless until she was found.
When brought inside the frat house, Bhatti's friends were allegedly told to get out. They decided to take her to her nearby apartment. At the time, they were not aware of the severe injuries that Bhatti had suffered. It was approximately seven hours later that 911 was finally called.
According to a GoFundMe set up by her family, Bandna Bhatti suffered a spinal fracture, a dural tear with spinal fluid leakage, a scapular fracture, and a brain hematoma. She remains hospitalized and was left paralyzed from the waist down.
Family And Friends
Bandna's mother, Sukh Bhatti, spoke with KTVU, revealing the heartbreaking situation her daughter and her family live.
"She cannot walk. She cannot move her body," Sukh told the outlet. "She's paralyzed, asking me questions, 'can I graduate? Can I go to my graduation?"
The aforementioned GoFundMe expressed the family's hope of the community coming together to help Bandna. As of May 5, the fundraiser has raised more than $100,000. Additionally, a half-marathon was run by Bandna's closest friends in her honor on May 4.
"The journey ahead is extensive and demanding," the fundraiser read. "With your assistance, we hope to provide the vital resources she requires, specialized care, adaptive equipment, and essential home modifications to help Bandna regain as much independence as possible."
Frat House And College Statements
Matt Arnold, Chief Executive Officer of Phi Kappa Tau, shared a statement with PEOPLE, expressing their concern over Bhatti's fall and subsequent injuries.
"Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones during this challenging time," Arnold said. "The health, safety, and well-being of all individuals in our community remain our highest priorities. We are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are fully cooperating with university officials and local authorities in their investigation."
At the same time, UC Berkeley shared a statement of their own with PEOPLE.
"UC Berkeley is aware of an ongoing police investigation regarding reports of a student being injured near or at a fraternity," the statement read. "Our thoughts are with the student, their family, loved ones, and friends during this time. We are following our protocols to offer support to the student and their family."
