Student hit by minivan after fight

By Mary Georgevich

A Santa Clara student was hospitalized after a minvan hit him as he ran across Lafayette Street near Dunne Residence Hall late Saturday evening.

Freshman Ted Hough, a resident of Sanfilippo Residence Hall, was reportedly running away from a person he had hit in the face after he had been asked to leave a party, according to Santa Clara police. Police said Hough was intoxicated at the time.

In an e-mail to Sanfilippo residents, Resident Director David Daniels Jr. said Hough was immediately transported to the hospital after suffering major injuries.

Daniels updated Sanfilippo residents in an e-mail sent Wednesday informing students that Hough had surgery on his leg Tuesday morning and would remain hospitalized for one or two more weeks.

Santa Clara Police Department spokesman Lt. Mike Sellers described the injuries as "non-life threatening."

Sellers said Hough was attending a party on Lafayette Street when he was asked to leave. Once outside, an argument ensued and Hough "struck the person holding the party in the face," said Sellers. The person who was hit began to chase after Hough, who ran into the street and was hit.

"Alcohol has definitely contributed to the situation," Sellers said.

Freshman Megan Curtis said she was inside the party when the incident happened. She arrived at the scene after Hough had been hit by the minivan.

"It was completely surreal," she said. "It was terrifying."

Tommy Griffin, a freshman witness to the incident said, "It seemed like something out of a movie."

He estimated that there were around 100 people observing the scene.

"There were hoards of kids," said sophomore Alex Blumberg-Long, who arrived after Hough had been placed on a stretcher.

"Nobody knew what had happened. There were rumors flying around."

Freshman Anthony Givens said the events unfolded quickly.

"I saw his body go up on to the van and then half his body was through the windshield," he said.

Givens said he and his friends were walking to the party on Lafayette Street when they noticed about 15 people standing in the driveway.

"They looked like they were arguing," he said. "It seemed like the party was exclusive."

He and his friends stopped to see if a fight would start. Givens said he then saw a punch thrown outside the house.

"He and someone else ran across the street. I heard a screech and I turned around right as the van was hitting him," he said. "It was weird; his body went limp."

The residents of the house where the party was thrown had no comment.

Blumberg-Long said she saw a lot of damage to the minivan.

"There was this enormous hole on the driver's side of the windshield," she said.

Cameron Smith, a friend of Hough's, said Hough was trying to stay positive in the hospital. "He's glad. He feels lucky," Smith said. "It could have been a lot worse."

A stoplight and crossing signal that are being built near the accident would not have helped prevent this incident, Sellers said.

"He ran across the street without looking to see where the traffic was coming," he said. "Traffic lights would not have made a difference here."

Sellers said the driver of the minivan couldn't have done anything to avoid hitting Hough.

Counseling services are available for students who need support because of the accident.

Contact Mary Georgevich at (408) 554-4546 or mgeorgevich@scu.edu.

The story incorrectly stated the class of Megan Curtis. She is a freshman.