Student Hospitalized After Light Fixture Falls in Gymnasium During P.E. Class at Tates Creek High School

LEXINGTON – A student at Tates Creek High School was hospitalized on October 11 after suffering injuries from a falling light fixture in the gymnasium during a physical education class. Principal Kristy Field informed families in a letter, stating that the incident occurred when the light fixture was struck by a ball.

According to Field, immediate action was taken by school officials following the incident. “A student was injured in physical education (P.E.) class when a light fixture fell after being struck by a ball,” she said. “Following our safety procedures, the student was immediately transported to the hospital.”

Fayette County Schools spokesperson Dia Davidson-Smith addressed the situation, emphasizing the district’s commitment to safety. “We have been in touch with and are closely monitoring the recovery of the injured TCHS student,” Davidson-Smith noted. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their family. There was a swift response made by our campus administrators and maintenance teams.”

Field mentioned that district maintenance staff and outside contractors had conducted work in the gymnasium over the preceding weekend, implying potential contributing factors to the incident. As a result, activities originally scheduled for the gym have been relocated.

In her letter, Field also highlighted the rapid response of staff and emergency personnel to assist the student. She reassured families, stating, “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.”

To date, district officials have not provided specific updates on the student’s current condition following the incident.