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THE PRESS CONFERENCE given by Berkeley survivor Niall Murray has been described as emotional and powerful.
Hailed for his bravery, Murray is one of seven Irish students who were injured when a balcony collapsed in Berkeley, San Francisco in June.
Speaking for the first time last night, Murray told reporters that while feels fortunate, he also feels guilty.
“I feel quite guilty and awful to be alive today. I’m not sure why I made it.”
Six students lost their lives in the tragic accident – Olivia Burke, Ashley Donohoe, Eoghan Culligan, Niccolai Schuster, Eimear Walsh and Lorcan Miller.
The students were all attending a 21st birthday party at Library Gardens apartment complex in California at the time.
Describing the moment when the balcony collapsed, he said he remembered hearing a “big rumble” before the collapse. He says he doesn’t remember when he hit the ground.
He said the event had been “life-changing” praising the staff and volunteers for helping him and his family through this tough time.
Murray said he could never say enough thanks to those at home and those in the Bay area for their support.
Addressing the families of those that lost their lives, he said he was looking forward to seeing them, spending time with them and thinking about those that are no longer with them.
“To our friends – we miss you we will never forget you and some day I look forward to seeing you all again.”
He says he remembers waking up in the emergency room and was surrounded by his friends.
Murray says he heard about the fate of some of his friends through Facebook, as he had his phone with him in the hospital.
He is expected to return to Ireland next week.
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I know it’s a natural reaction to feel guilty for surviving, but don’t. It’s great that you survived. Live well and have a great life. You’re no less deserving than any of us.
Had a bad accident that nearly killed me at San Francisco 2 months ago, my physio doctor there treated 2 fellas at the Berkley accident, I wonder was he one of them, I wish him a speedy recovery
Poor guy, hope he’s recovering well.
Such a brave heartbreaking statement, his eyes just show how broken he is. I wish him all the best in his recovery.
What a truly horrific experience for a young man to go through. I hope he recovers as much as possible both physically and mentally.
Such a horrific experience this poor man has gone through both mentally & physically.. One could understand why he feels guilty after loosing others around him that he was sharing laughs with 5 minutes before the tragedy occurred.. Very brave giving the press statement you can see he is so torn. Wish him all the best as with the other survivors. They went through a terrible ordeal.
Nail, you look good and no need to feel guilty as God want you to continue to live on the planet. Welcome back!
Mustb be so hard. But things don’t happen for a reason, they just happen, no matter what people say to the contrary.
W***er
Aimed at Liam O’Brien
The auld “I feel guilty I survived” syndrome. Get over yourself and get on with your life.
You’re an idiot
A hole.
Have a heart, Liam! Try to imagine how you’d feel after losing dear friends and spending months trying to recover physically, never mind mentally. I can’t even begin to imagine what poor Niall is going through. I wish him well in the months and years ahead.
Liam how dare you belittle what this brave,selfless young man is feeling.You are obviously a very selfish,self centered person who has no idea what this young man has gone through.shame on you.
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