PAGE 2 // WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2010
NEWS
the pendulum
Elon student
accident involving
liospitalized after
higli-speed chase
Caitlin O'Donnell
Assistant News Editor
Elon University sophomore Laura
Levitt is being treated at Duke Medical
Center after an automobile accident
on 1-85 Monday, April 5.
According to Greg Mitchell, an N.C.
highway patrol officer, Durham County
Deputies were chasing DeMarcus
Griggs, 22, when he hit Levitt's car
at more than 100 miles per hour. Her
vehicle flipped an estimated eight to
10 times.
Mitchell said Levitt landed on
the shoulder of the highway, and
witnesses proceeded to help her until
the deputy arrived at the scene. She
was then airlifted to the hospital.
Griggs initially ran Into the woods
but was eventually taken into custody
and is being held at the Durham
county jail on a $300,000 bond. He is
charged with a felony hit-and-run, in
addition to other charges.
Chris Levitt, her brother, said she
was originally being treated in the
ICU, but has since stabilized.
He said she was moved from the
ICU on Saturday, April 12.
“Her recovery has been incredibly
swift thus far, and that is really
a testament to her willpower," he
said. “Despite her physical pain
and weakness, she has managed
to maintain mental and emotional
strength.”
Laura was underwent surgery
on her knee April 12, because it was
damaged by asphalt and glass.
"Laura is tired from the .surgery,
but she is recovering well,” Chris said.
“Unfortunately, the doctors found a
few more minor fractures in her leg
and are fairly certain she has broken
her collarbone as well, but all in all,
she is continuing to recover very
well."
Christ Levitt said Laura is aware
that she will have permanent visible
scarring on her feet and legs from
extensive stitches, but she said she
doesn’t mind.
“She feels truly lucky to be alive,"
he said. “She seems thrilled by the
support she has received from the Elon
community, but at this point I think
the support has been most beneficial
for my parents."
Kristi Ferguson, a sophomore at
Virginia Tech and Levitt's best friend,
created a Facebook page entitled “Pray
for Laura Levitt," which has grown from
574 members Wednesday afternoon to
970 members at press time.
“When Laura first came off of the
anesthesia and was allowed to be
awake most of the day, her family read
her quotes from the group and Laura
was smiling and happy to see that so
many people love her and are praying
for her,” Ferguson said.
Though Levitt's memory is foggy,
Ferguson said she is focused on
getting better and out of the hospital.
“1 don’t think anyone knows the
time frame in terms of her eventual
release from the hospital and total
recovery just yet,” Chris said.
He said the Elon administration
has been understanding of Levitt’s
condition.
“It seems that they will work with
Laura to ensure that this term still
counts and to make sure she graduates
on time," he said.
Ferguson said she is confident that
Levitt will regain her strength.
“She really is an amazing woman
and she is healing at an incredible
rate," she said.
Laura Levitt is located second from left.
Photos courtesy of the "Pray for
Laura Levitt" Facebook group.
The group was created by Kristi
Ferguson, a sophomore at Virginia
Tech and Levitt’s best friend.
The group has grown from 574
members Wednesday, April 7 to
970 Monday, April 12.
Cards and flowers can be sent
to Room 2321 in Duke Hospital
or through “send a card to a
patient” at www.dukehealth.org.
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