Early Saturday morning, a 17-year-old female fell off a balcony at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house during a party and sustained injuries for which she is currently is being treated at the University Medical Center, according to Pi Kappa Alpha President Sean Sullivan and Charlottesville Police Sgt. Steve Dillon.
"The patient's condition is good," University Health System Public Relations spokesperson Mary Jane Gore said last night. "Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. The patient is conscious and comfortable, and the indicators are excellent."
Sullivan said last night that he was still looking into the incident, but he said that the female who sustained injuries was leaning against a railing when the railing gave way.
Dillon confirmed the female involved in the incident is underage and said she was under the influence of alcohol when she fell.
Charlottesville emergency medical teams arrived at the fraternity house, located at 513 Rugby Rd., and took the female involved in the accident to the hospital.
It is unclear what circumstances led to the accident. Aaron Laushway, associate dean of students and director of fraternity and sorority life, said he will be briefed on the incident this morning.
The fraternity had full risk awareness measures in place that evening, Sullivan said. These precautions included Inter-Fraternity Council party patrol compliance, and a recent inspection of the house by the national fraternity's property manager, which owns the house.
"The house has been inspected and we are working with property managers," Sullivan said.
Sullivan said he did not believe that the female involved in the accident gained entry to the party as a University student.
"My understanding was that she was with the band," Sullivan said.
After the incident, Sullivan said the fraternity members cleared out the party. He added that the fraternity has contacted Laushway, but he had yet to speak with the girl's parents.
"All the brothers are concerned and wish her a speedy recovery," Sullivan said.
A Charlottesville Police department representative said that it was too early in the investigation to tell if charges are likely to be filed. The IFC also plans to carry out an investigation.
"At this time, a swift and thorough investigation will be conducted regarding the events that transpired Friday night," IFC President Ross Kimbel said.
Kimbel also expressed concern on behalf of the IFC.
"The IFC's thoughts and prayers are with the girl and her family," he said.
The investigation will continue with Greek community leadership, including Sullivan, Kimbel, Laushway and others.
Read More
Will the Faculty Senate’s no-confidence vote impact the U.Va. Board of Visitors?
By Brandon Kile | 5 hours agoIn many cases, a no-confidence vote may soon be followed by steps taken to remove the leadership that may be acting against the wishes of a community.
Two senior U.Va. Health leaders quietly take new jobs without formal announcement
By Ford McCracken | YesterdayKibbe’s departure marks the end of an ongoing battle between U.Va. Health employees and their senior leadership.
Letter from 12 deans to Board of Visitors goes unanswered for almost two weeks
By Naima Sawaya | YesterdayAt the time of publication, the academic deans had received no response from the Board regarding their offer to meet with the Board “as soon as possible.”
