A college senior was paralyzed after a shocking fall at the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity house at the University of California at Berkeley.
Bandna Bhatti, 21, allegedly fell from the house on “Cal Day,” a day of celebration at UC Berkeley held on April 19. She was paralyzed from the waist down due to the injuries, per a verified GoFundMe page. The fall occurred just three weeks ahead of her graduation with a degree in Data Science, per KRON.
“In addition to a spinal fracture, Bandna also sustained severe injuries, including tearing of the dura with spinal fluid leakage, a scapular fracture, and a brain hematoma. She is currently hospitalized,” reads a statement on the GoFundMe page.
The statement continued, “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.”
“She’s paralyzed, asking me questions, ‘Can I graduate? Can I go to my graduation?’ ” Bhatti’s mother, Sukh Bhatti, told KTVU.
The student’s friends took her to a nearby apartment to rest after the fall, not realizing the severity of her injuries. Emergency services were called approximately seven hours later, KTVU reports.
The fraternity was founded nationally in 1906. Matt Arnold, Chief Executive Officer of Phi Kappa Tau, told PEOPLE in a statement: “We are deeply concerned by recent reports of an incident involving a young student who was reportedly injured near the Phi Kappa Tau chapter house at the University of California, Berkeley.”
“Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones during this challenging time,” Arnold continued. “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.”
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“UC Berkeley is aware of an ongoing police investigation regarding reports of a student being injured near or at a fraternity,” UC Berkeley said in a statement to PEOPLE. “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.”
The student’s closest friends will be running a half-marathon on May 4 in her honor, aiming for a $5-per-mile pledge “to raise vital funds for Bandna’s recovery.”
PEOPLE reached out to the Berkeley Police Department, but did not immediately hear back.
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