UC Berkeley Student Paralyzed After Fall at Fraternity Party Weeks Before Graduation

Bandna Bhatti, 21, has been paralyzed from the waist down after falling from an outdoor staircase at the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity house last month

A 21-year-old UC Berkeley student, Bandna Bhatti, has been left paralyzed from the waist down after falling from an outdoor staircase at the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity house during a campus celebration on April 19. The incident occurred during ‘Cal Day,’ an annual open house event when the university welcomes prospective students and families.

Bhatti, a Data Science major just three weeks away from graduation, had been volunteering on campus earlier that day. At approximately 1 p.m., while attending a party hosted at the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity house on Piedmont Avenue, she reportedly fell at least 12 feet from an exterior metal stairway, landing in a narrow alleyway beside the property.

The Phi Kappa Tau fraternity house at Berkeley, where Bandna Bhatti, 21, slipped from a railing and plunged at least a dozen feet.

The fall resulted in devastating injuries, including a spinal fracture, a torn dura with leaking spinal fluid, a brain hematoma, a scapular fracture, and multiple broken bones. She was later diagnosed with permanent paralysis below the waist.

Despite the severity of her injuries, Bhatti reportedly remained unnoticed for as long as 15 minutes. According to her family, once found, she was taken inside the house rather than receiving immediate emergency medical attention. Her friends, apparently unaware of the extent of her trauma, brought her to her nearby apartment. Emergency services were not contacted until nearly seven hours after the fall.

Bhatti fell at least 12 feet from an external metal stairway, hitting her head and landing in a narrow alleyway beside the fraternity house

Bhatti was eventually transported to Highland Hospital in Oakland, where she remains under intensive medical care. Her mother, Sukh Bhatti, has remained by her side since the incident. “She cannot walk. She cannot move her body,” she said. “She's paralyzed, asking me questions – ‘Can I graduate? Can I go to my graduation?’”

Bhatti’s family described the accident and aftermath as life-altering. In a public statement on a GoFundMe page launched to support her recovery, they shared that the road ahead will involve long-term care, physical therapy, rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and home modifications. As of Sunday night, the campaign had raised over $97,000.

Bhatti was three weeks shy of graduating with a degree in Data Science and had been welcoming prospective students to campus on 'Cal Day' when UC Berkeley open its doors

Phi Kappa Tau’s national CEO, Matt Arnold, expressed concern over the incident and stated that the organization is investigating and cooperating with university and local authorities. “Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones during this challenging time,” he said. “The health, safety, and well-being of all individuals in our community remain our highest priorities.”

UC Berkeley also issued a statement expressing support and sympathy for Bhatti and her family. The Berkeley Police Department has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident, with particular attention on the timeline and the decision not to immediately call 911. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether criminal or disciplinary actions will follow.

'I want my baby back. She's so happy and so lovely - strong lady,' said mom Sukh Bhatti

This case adds to the ongoing national conversation about fraternity accountability and emergency response at college events. Past fraternity-related tragedies at U.S. universities have led to public outcry over the responsibilities of Greek organizations and the consequences of delayed medical intervention.

Bandna Bhatti’s story has sparked an outpouring of community support. Her family and friends remain hopeful, with her mother vowing, “She will walk. I will make sure she walks. I’ll do whatever it takes.” A group of Bhatti’s sisters and close friends ran a half-marathon on Sunday to raise additional funds and awareness, transforming the event into a tribute to her strength and spirit.

A family spokesperson described Bandna as “a brilliant, compassionate, and resilient young woman who has worked tirelessly toward her dreams.” Her injury and the circumstances surrounding it have galvanized support and scrutiny, turning her personal tragedy into a call for accountability and change.