Clarke, Brinda remain hospitalized but recovering

By Kurt Wagner

Two Santa Clara students who were hospitalized last week in unrelated incidents continue to progress in their recovery, according to Director of Campus Ministry Fr. Jack Treacy, S.J.

Sophomore Tabot Clarke, who was in a medically-induced coma for much of last week, remains in the Intensive Care Unit at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Clarke was hospitalized after being hit by a van while crossing the street at the corner of El Camino and Benton on Jan. 21.

Clarke has undergone multiple surgeries since the accident, but "doctors are encouraged by signs of progress," said Treacy through e-mail. No timetable has been set for her full recovery.

Senior Matt Brinda underwent successful surgery at Stanford Hospital last Thursday and is currently resting comfortably, said Treacy.

Brinda was hospitalized last week after collapsing outside of the student entrance to Leavey Center following the men's basketball game against Gonzaga on Jan. 20. Details of the incident have been kept quiet by the university to ensure patient privacy, but according to Treacy, Brinda suffered from "heart issues."

Brinda was immediately tended to by an off-duty student EMT and multiple campus safety officers who performed CPR until American Medical Response arrived on the scene and transferred him to O'Connor Hospital in San Jose.

"My campus safety officers had a role in the CPR and rescue of the victim," said Director of Campus Safety Phil Beltran. "They were happy that they could be involved... for something they trained for and prepared for to have a positive outcome."

Although he is expected to return to Santa Clara eventually, it appears that Brinda will return home to Minnesota for further rest before returning to school in the Spring, said Treacy.  

Both students have received immense support from the Santa Clara community. Treacy has visited both hospitals numerous times and posters signed by friends and neighbors from the St. Claire community and the da Vinci RLC were delivered to Clarke and Brinda, respectively. A Facebook page has been set up for Clarke by a friend.

Contact Kurt Wagner at jwagner@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4596.