Katie Watt, a 22-year-old former Bates College student, says she was struck by a 597‑pound bench shelter that became airborne during high winds while she was running at the campus track on Oct. 12, 2024. In a complaint filed Dec. 16 in Androscoggin County Superior Court, Watt alleges the shelter had been left unsecured despite manufacturer guidance that such units 'must be anchored at all times' and stored in a protected area in high winds.
What Happened
According to the complaint, strong winds had already blown one of the two 18-foot Kwik Goal bench shelters across the Russell Street Track and Field Complex earlier that morning. About an hour later, as Watt and her Nordic ski teammates prepared for a running test, the same shelter allegedly became airborne at approximately 9:41 a.m., struck Watt while she ran and pinned her to the ground.
Gideon Asen, LLC.Katie Watt
Injuries and Treatment
Watt says the impact caused a skull fracture and bleeding in multiple areas of her brain. She was transported by ambulance to Central Maine Medical Center and then airlifted to Maine Medical Center for emergency neurological care. The complaint asserts she suffered a traumatic brain injury that has produced ongoing neurological symptoms including decreased cognitive stamina, headaches, emotional disturbance and other deficits.
"I remember being so disoriented and terrified and in so much pain — thinking, 'I'm only 21, I don't want to die,'" Watt told PEOPLE. "All of these memories immediately after the fact are super jumbled… it's more like the emotions of pure terror."
Recovery and Impact
Watt spent roughly a month recovering at home under the supervision of a neurosurgeon, with her parents taking leave from their teaching jobs to care for her. She says balance and walking were difficult at first and that she slowly worked back to being able to walk a mile. Watt returned to classes in January using accommodations such as a note taker and class recordings, and graduated with honors in May 2025 — an achievement she describes as bittersweet because the skull fracture left lingering nerve sensitivity and pain.
Gideon Asen, LLC.Katie Watt following the incident involving an airborne bench shelter
Allegations and Response
The lawsuit names Bates College and cites Kwik Goal's product guidance to argue the shelter should have been secured or stored safely in high winds. Watt says she never received an apology from the college and felt the incident was "swept under the rug," despite expecting support from a community-oriented institution.
In an emailed statement to PEOPLE, a Bates College spokesperson said the college does not comment on pending litigation but acknowledged the accident and said the school provided support at the time and afterward. The statement also noted the college was pleased Watt was able to return to her studies and graduate on time and with honors, and that it wishes her well in her new research role at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Legal Action
The complaint, prepared with assistance from Gideon Asen, LLC, seeks to hold the college accountable and to promote campus safety so other students are not harmed in a similar way. Watt says her goal is to push the school to take responsibility and to prevent future avoidable injuries.
