Bandna Bhatti, a 21-year-old UC Berkeley data science student, was paralyzed from the waist down after falling 12 feet from a fraternity’s external stairs during a party on April 19. Her mother, Sukh, reported that Bandna, who was just weeks away from graduation, is struggling with her condition and has many questions about her future. The fall resulted in serious injuries, but 911 was only called about seven hours later. The fraternity, Phi Kappa Tau, expressed concern and is cooperating with investigations. Bandna’s family has started a GoFundMe for medical expenses, and her friends are running a half-marathon to support her recovery.
BERKELEY, Calif. – Bandna Bhatti, 21, was mere weeks away from graduating with a degree in data science from UC Berkeley.
However, her future is now uncertain after a fall at a fraternity left her paralyzed from the waist down.
“She cannot walk. She cannot move her body,” her mother Sukh Bhatti shared with KTVU.
She has been by her daughter’s side at Highland Hospital in Oakland, grappling with this new reality.
“She’s paralyzed and keeps asking me, ‘Can I graduate? Can I attend my graduation?’” her voice quavering with emotion.
Tragic Incident
Here’s what is known:
The incident occurred at the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity on Piedmont Avenue on April 19, coinciding with “Cal Day,” UC Berkeley’s open house, during a party hosted by the fraternity.
Bhatti slipped from an external metal staircase around 1 p.m., falling over 12 feet and striking her head before landing in a narrow area outside the fraternity.
Her family reports that she was discovered about 15 minutes later and brought into the fraternity.
However, they claim fraternity members instructed those who carried her in to leave.
Friends then transported her to her nearby apartment, unaware of her serious injuries, including spinal damage, broken bones, and a brain bleed. Emergency services were called roughly seven hours later.
Fraternity Statement
Their position:
Matt Arnold, CEO of the national Phi Kappa Tau organization, expressed to KTVU that the fraternity is “deeply concerned” regarding the situation and is cooperating with investigators in Berkeley.
In his statement, Arnold noted, “Our thoughts are with the individual and their families during this difficult time. The health, safety, and well-being of everyone in our community remains our utmost priority.”
Bhatti stated, “I just want my baby back. She’s so joyful and lovely—a strong person.”
Her two older sisters and parents remain hopeful for her recovery, believing that her background in five sports will support her. Friends are running a half-marathon on Sunday to raise funds.
Additionally, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with medical costs.
Bhatti has a singular objective: “She will walk. I will ensure she walks. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Henry Lee is a KTVU reporter. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @henrykleeKTVU and www.facebook.com/henrykleefan