A 17-year-old Live Oak senior who fell from a third-story
balcony May 14 during an after-prom party is recuperating at home
and is in good spirits, her father said.
A 17-year-old Live Oak senior who fell from a third-story balcony May 14 during an after-prom party is recuperating at home and is in good spirits, her father said.
“She is doing as well as can be expected,” John Melert said from the family’s home in South San Jose. “She is undergoing physical therapy for her leg injury. She is recovering.”
Carly Melert suffered a compound, complex fracture of her leg as well as a shattered wrist in the fall. She had two surgeries at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula where she was taken after the fall and stayed until her release last week.
Melert said he wanted to make it clear that his daughter’s fall was an accident.
“We have talked to a number of students, trying to find out what happened because Carly has no memory of it. From what we have been able to put together, it was an accident,” he said.
The accident occurred at an after-prom party at the Best Western Monterey Beach Resort, where students from as many as five high schools were staying. An 18-year-old Live Oak graduae was arrested for public intoxication, and two 20-year-old men from San Martin were arrested for vandalism.
Students at the hotel party said they were aware of drinking by students at the hotel.
Live Oak Principal Nick Boden has said he and other staff members will consider possible alternatives for next year. Melert said Carly may be able to attend graduation.
Melert said he has talked with Live Oak teachers about her status, and she will be able to graduate, but he is not sure if she will be able to take part in the ceremony.
Right now, he said, the family is focusing on Carly’s recovery.
Marilyn Dubil covers education and law enforcement for The Times. She can be reached by e-mail at md****@mo*************.com or phoning (408)779-4106 Ext. 202.
