Wed May 07 05:40:00 UTC 2025: **UC Berkeley Student Paralyzed After Fall at Fraternity Party**
BERKELEY, Calif. — A 21-year-old UC Berkeley student, Bandna Bhatti, is paralyzed from the waist down after a fall from a metal stairwell at a Phi Kappa Tau fraternity during a Cal Day open house event on April 19th. Bhatti, who was weeks away from graduating with a data science degree, suffered spinal injuries, broken bones, and a brain bleed in the fall.
Witnesses say Bhatti fell at least 12 feet and was found approximately 15 minutes later. Her family alleges that fraternity members instructed those who found her to leave the premises. Bhatti was then taken to her apartment by friends, unaware of the severity of her injuries. 911 was not called until seven hours after the fall.
The national Phi Kappa Tau organization released a statement expressing concern and cooperation with the ongoing Berkeley investigation. Bhatti’s mother, Sukh Bhatti, is devastated, stating that her daughter is asking about graduation and her future. The family is hopeful for Bhatti’s recovery, citing her athletic background and unwavering determination to walk again.
Friends have organized a half-marathon fundraiser, and a GoFundMe page has been established to help cover substantial medical expenses. The incident is currently under investigation.
First Piper 