Penn State Cheerleader Responding Well To New Drugs, But Still Comatose

Paige Raque, the Penn State cheerleader who fell five stories from a window, is in a semi-comatose state but responding well to brain stimulating drugs, her parents’ rep told RadarOnline.

The 19-year-old fell 39 feet from her off-campus apartment window during a party Saturday night. She fractured her pelvis and received several injuries, and remains in critical condition at Altoona Regional Health System. Family spokesperson Randy Jepson said it is possible Raque could suffer permanent brain damage, but doctors said it was too soon to say for sure.

Jepson said Thursday, “She has responded positively so that’s a great start. The drugs speed up her brain process.” Jepson, who is the head coach of the men’s gymnastics team at Penn State, said Raque has been given “some sort of amphetamines” to stimulate her brain.

Jepson also said that Raque was able to slightly move her face and limbs, although she is still unable to speak for the time being.

“Paige is still comatose and she hasn’t talked yet but she can make some facial expressions,” Jepson said. “She’s obviously very uncomfortable and I think she’s trying to express that!”

Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Raque’s fall, but they believe it was an accident.

Raque’s brother Parker has been posting updates about his sister’s condition on his Twitter page. He said he opened her eyes and “slowly moved them around.” He has been asking for people to continue praying for his sister and show their support using the #prayforpaige hash tag.

A prayer vigil is being held for Paige Raque at 8:00 pm at Penn State’s Rec Hall Thursday.