A University student is in critical condition in South Africa after being struck by a vehicle last week while attending the World Cup.Brian Murphy, psychology sophomore, and two siblings were hit by a drunk driver while walking along a road, according to a report from KATC, a news station in Lafayette, where the family lives.Murphy’s sister Nicole was killed in the accident.Brian Murphy is currently in critical condition with a major head injury, but high-priced medical bills are preventing the family from being able to have him returned to the United States.While Nicole Murphy’s body will be transported back to the U.S. this week, a medical plane for Brian would cost the family more than $300,000. Insurance will not cover the medical expenses because Murphy is hospitalized on foreign lands, according to KATC.Harrison Breaud, business sophomore and Brian Murphy’s roommate, said Brian is in a medically-induced coma and suffering from a hematoma, or a clotting of blood, on his brain and a broken pelvis.Breaud said Brian Murphy — along with his father and a family friend — are staying in South Africa while he remains in critical condition.A fund has been established at Home Bank in Lafayette to raise donations to cover the massive medical expenses, and Student Government President J Hudson said the University is playing its part in helping the family.Hudson said SG is working with administrators — including Kurt Keppler, vice chancellor for student life, and K.C. White, dean of students — to get the word out so University students and faculty members will be able to contribute to the family’s fund.”The cost is killing that family,” Hudson said. “All those funds are going toward hospital bills.”The Home Bank fund was set up last week, and the bank announced Monday it established an electronic form of payment, according to Nick Zaunbrecher, a Home Bank employee working with the fund.Zaunbrecher estimated the fund has accrued $10,000 so far.”It’s a long way off, but we’re getting there,” he said. “Every dollar that people can send is greatly appreciated.”People interested in contributing can call in their credit card donations to 337-261-9440.–Contact Matthew Jacobs at [email protected]
Student hit by drunk driver in South Africa
June 20, 2010