SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) – An Irish college student injured in a balcony collapse in Berkeley, California, said Friday that he felt guilty he survived when six other young people died.
Niall Murray, who appeared in a wheelchair with bandages on his arms and a boot on his left foot, choked up when he talked about going home soon and seeing the families of those who died.
“I remember the night. The only thing I don’t remember is how I hit the ground. I figured I must have done something like that to protect my head,” Murray, 21, said as he placed his hands on the left side of his face.
Murray spoke at a news conference at a San Jose hospital where he has been receiving treatment for a broken wrist, heel and elbow. He also almost lost one of his index fingers but is expected to make a full recovery.
Six students were killed and seven others were hospitalized after the balcony snapped off an apartment building during a June 16 birthday party and flung 13 people five stories below to the street.