Date: 10-03-2018

UK student who fell from apartment balcony showing signs of progress

State Rep. Chris Harris (D-Forest Hills) said Tuesday his son has started responding to commands after falling from a third-floor apartment balcony near University of Kentucky’s campus in late August.

After 33 days in a coma, Corbin Harris gave a thumbs up sign Tuesday at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation. His dad said he has a long and uncertain road ahead, but Tuesday “marks the clearing of a huge hurdle in that he is able to process a command and act on it.”

“Although Corbin faces months of rehabilitative therapy and we won’t know the lasting effects of his injury for years, we believe, with God’s help and continued prayers, he will continue to progress and improve,” Chris Harris added.

Corbin Harris, a UK sophomore, fell from the balcony at The Lex off Harrodsburg Road after midnight Aug. 31. He was taken to University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital with “critical injuries,” police said.

Police have not said how Harris fell from the balcony but did rule out criminal actions.

Corbin’s father called Tuesday the best day of his life when his son gave a thumbs up sign.

“Leslie and I again thank you for your kindness, understanding and prayers,” he said. “We have truly been lifted up and felt the love of an entire state since Corbin’s accident. I can’t begin to describe how much the love and compassion that has been shown to our entire family during this time has meant to us.”

With “very aggressive” rehabilitation beginning for Corbin, Chris Harris said his son will hopefully be given “another chance at a meaningful life.”

By Mike Stunson
Lexington Herald-Leader