News

On Saturday, August 20 a Lee University student and recent Lee graduate were hit by a vehicle while crossing at the 1700 block of Parker Street near the Leonard Center.  Just before 11:30 p.m. Danielle Carter and Shashank Shrestha were severely injured after being struck by a southbound van traveling through campus.  Both victims were airlifted from Souther Field to Erlanger hospital in Chattanooga, TN and placed in the intensive care unit.
Vice President for Administration, Dr. Walt Mauldin, was one of the first Lee University representatives on the scene.  “I received a call from our Director of Campus Safety informing me of the accident.  When I arrived, emergency response teams were on the scene and moving quickly to transport both victims to the hospital.”  Mauldin says that family members were immediately contacted and are now en route to Chattanooga.     
Also on the scene for Lee University was campus pastor, Dr. Jimmy Harper.  “First, as bad as this is, we are so thankful that it wasn’t worse.  This could have easily been a real tragedy.  Second, we were so encouraged by the response of the Lee family.  I think about 60 people, staff and students, showed up at the hospital last night.  We could have had chapel on site,” Harper said.
As of Sunday morning, Mr. Shrestha was moved to a step-down unit at the hospital and is being held for observation with possible bone injuries.   “I feel fortunate and loved,” he said.  “I hope I recover fast.”
At the time of this report Carter was alert and responsive to visitors.  Doctors say her injuries are not life threatening.   
The driver of the van was arrested at the scene and remains in police custody.