Caroline Claffey, Campus Carrier Deputy News Editor
Freshman Michael Stephenson was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on campus Tuesday evening.
Stephenson was on his way from Dana to Krannert to attend the Emerging Leaders meeting at approximately 5:20 p.m. and was riding his bicycle on the diagonal path in front of Green. While crossing the street between Green and Evans, he was hit by a car driven by senior Ahmad Pruitt.
Stephenson said the incident was accidental.“There is a fairly large tree at the intersection of the path and the street,” Stephenson said. “As I was riding I couldn’t see the car because of the tree and he (Pruitt) couldn’t see me.”
Stephenson said the car clipped the front of his bicycle, and his shoulder and head collided with the metal portion of the car between the driver’s window and the windshield.
Pruitt stopped and called campus police, and a nearby student called 911, Stephenson said. Stephenson was taken by ambulance to Redmond Regional Medical Center and said after several CT scans and X-rays he was diagnosed with a broken clavicle, bruised muscles in his neck and a sprained wrist.
Stephenson said Coordinator of Residence Life Natalie Bates was at the hospital within minutes of his arrival and personally emailed all of his teachers and work supervisors.
Bates said in the event that a student is taken to the hospital by ambulance, whoever is on call in Residence Life responds.
“It is our procedure in Residence Life that if a student goes to the hospital by ambulance that a member from our staff goes to check on them, make sure someone is there to stay, ask if they have notified parents and help in any other way possible,” Bates said.
Pruitt said he wishes Stephenson a full recovery.
“I hope that Mr. Michael Stephenson is okay and well,” Pruitt said. “And I hope that an incident like this does not occur on campus again.”
Junior Caitlin Lewis, Stephenson’s girlfriend, said she appreciates the quick response time and professionalism of everyone involved.
“I’m so glad that both Berry campus police and the emergency professionals responded so quickly and handled the situation in such a calm and professional manner,” Lewis said. “It really helped keep everyone involved calm and under control. I’m just glad that nothing was too serious and no one else was hurt.” Stephenson said he does not blame anyone for the accident.
“I don’t blame Mr. Pruitt, the college or anyone else,” Stephenson said. “It was an accident, and an incredible number of students have reached out to me.”