Lexington student taken to hospital after being injured by a falling light fixture in gym

A Lexington Tates Creek High School student was taken to the hospital on Oct. 11 after being injured when a light fixture in the gymnasium fell during a physical education class, principal Kristy Field told families in a letter this week.

The light fixture had been struck by a ball, Field said.

“A student was injured in physical education (P.E.) class when a light fixture fell after being struck by a ball,” Field wrote. “Following our safety procedures, the student was immediately transported to the hospital.”

Fayette County Schools spokesperson Dia Davidson-Smith, told the Herald-Leader Tuesday night that maintaining safety on all district campuses and in all buildings is a priority.

“We have been in touch with and are closely monitoring the recovery of the injured TCHS student,” Davidson-Smith said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their family. There was a swift response made by our campus administrators and maintenance teams. They have been working to ensure the building and facilities are safe.”

“Our team has delayed this communication so we could support the student and their family, as well as provide additional information about the safety of our facilities,” Field wrote.

She said district maintenance staff and outside contractors had been working in the gymnasium over the weekend. School staff and district administration have been in contact with the parent of the injured student, she said.

Field said staff and emergency responders acted quickly to come to the aid of the student. Activities scheduled for the gymnasium have been relocated.

“At this time, our priority is to ensure that the student and her family receive the full support and care they deserve while maintaining a safe environment for all students and staff,” Field wrote.

District officials did not immediately speak to the current condition of the student on Tuesday night.