Editor's note: To protect the privacy of the student involved, The Beacon has decided not to publish their full name.
A student suffered severe injuries after falling down the Fields-Schoenfeldt Hall internal stairwell on Friday night, Jan. 14.
The student has been moved to a nearby hospital and is recovering. There were a number of witnesses, and Campus Safety, Residence Life staff and paramedics were onsite almost immediately, according to Vice President of Marketing and Communications Michael Lewellen.
Other University professionals were also onsite to offer support to impacted students.
“Our daughter Rachel was severely injured in an accident at Fields Hall on Friday for which she is now receiving the best medical care,” the family said in a statement. “We are grateful to the University of Portland for its compassion and accommodations; the first responders whose quick action saved our daughter’s life; and to Rachel’s friends and fellow students for their concern.”
“We ask for your continued prayers for Rachel’s healing, but also your respect for our privacy during this extraordinarily difficult time,” the family continued.
Members of the hall will be gathering at 10:05 p.m. Wednesday to say a prayer for the student and bless the stairwell where the incident occured, according to an email sent to Fields-Schoenfeldt Hall residents.
“While we cannot offer detailed information, her family has been with her and report that she is doing remarkably well considering the nature of the accident,” the email from hall staff said. “Let’s continue to support one another and pray for our hallmate’s full recovery. Let’s continue to be kind and gentle as some of us have been traumatized as well.”
Students who have been impacted by the accident are encouraged to seek mental health resources. Students can make counseling appointments with the Health and Counseling Center (HCC) at (503)-943-7134. The University also offers the Pilot Helpline, which is active 24/7. The HCC has provided other resources on their website.
Austin De Dios is the Editor-in-Chief of The Beacon. He can be reached at dedios22@up.edu.
