Elon senior Lee Mynhardt remained in the neurosurgical intensive care unit at the UNC -Chapel Hill hospital Tuesday after suffering serious injuries early Saturday in an altercation at an off-campus house between Mynhardt and at least two other individuals.

Officials said this week that Mynhardt was involved in the incident with at least two other people at a house at 211 N. Lee Ave. in a case of “aggravated assault.”

According to Elon Police Captain Sam Russell, officers were dispatched to the house at 3:06 a.m. Saturday morning and found Mynhardt lying on the floor saying that he could not feel his legs. He was transported to Alamance Regional Hospital and then flown to the UNC-Chapel Hill hospital.

Russell said that Mynhardt suffered neck injuries and, at the time Russell visited him, was paralyzed from the waist down. Mynhardt underwent surgery late Saturday afternoon.

As of Tuesday, Mynhardt was in “serious, but stable condition,” according to Smith Jackson, vice president and dean of student life.

The Student Government Agency is organizing an effort to provide gift certificates for meals for Mynhardt’s family, who flew to Elon from their home in Botswana, South Africa, on Monday.

This altercation was one of several incidents occurring last weekend, including a fight on Manning Drive and another fight at West End Bar.

Because the incident occurred at an off-campus location, the case falls in the town police’s jursidiction. Elon Police is handling the investigation and any criminal charges. University Judicial Affairs is also beginning an investigation and calling students in for statements.

“These are things that students need to reflect on,” Jackson said. He noted that this incident should spark a discussion on how to “reduce the role of alcohol on campus.”

Elon officials are asking anyone with more information about the incident to come forward, as the police investigation is still actively continuing at this point.

News Editor: Alyse Knorr - 02/08/07