The Zeta Psi fraternity brother who underwent emergency surgery Sunday morning could be released as early as today, according to University Hospital officials.

Derek Fischbach, a 20-year-old senior, was upgraded from serious to fair condition at about 2:30 p.m. Monday, said Carol Braun, a nursing supervisor for the hospital.

The hospital also moved the brother out of the Intensive Care Unit, said Nancy McCarthy, a charge on Fischbach’s new floor.

‘After what I read in the paper, I looked at him and said ‘Man he looks good,’ ‘ McCarthy said.

Although there is no official release date set for Fischbach, McCarthy said he is ‘mentally sharp’ and expects him to be released in the near future.

‘It could be tomorrow or the next day depending on how he is doing,’ McCarthy added

Fischbach was taken to the hospital Saturday night and underwent emergency surgery Sunday to relieve pressure on his brain that was caused when he was hit in the head with a purple number four billiard ball in a sock.

Fischbach was reportedly attacked by Evan Hanahoe, a brother in the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity, during in a fight Saturday between members of the two groups, according to a police report. He received 45 stitches for what was, according to the report, a 3-inch gash and a severe cut above his left ear.

McCarthy said Fischbach is still experiencing a ‘small amount of trouble talking’ although she has not noticed any speech impediment in her conversations with him Monday.

According to the police report, Fischbach was unable to speak clearly while being attended to by medical personnel at the fight scene. The report added that a doctor at the scene said Fischbach might suffer from a permanent disability.

Three other Zeta Psi brothers — Andrew Johnson, Adam Muriello and Jonathan Ladd, all juniors —who incurred injuries from the fight have since been released from Crouse Hospital, said Debbie Fulton, the hospital’s administrative supervisor.

On Monday, two Alpha Chi Rho brothers refused to comment on the incident. According to the police report, no Alpha Chi Rho brothers suffered any injuries.

Hanahoe was charged with felony assault and misdeanor possession of a weapon, according to the police report.

Three men in suits entered the Zeta Psi fraternity house, 727 Comstock Ave., at about 7 p.m. as the brothers were called to convene for what one member said was a meeting to discuss the situation.

SU spokesman Kevin Morrow said the Office of Judicial Affairs, with the help of the SU Department of Public Safety, are preparing charges against 10 students. He added that national officials from both fraternities have become involved.

‘The Office of Greek Life is working with the national organizations of the two chapters,’ Morrow said. ‘Representatives of the national organizations are expected to meet with the Office of Greek Life tomorrow.’

Morrow did not rule out that other students have charges filed against them and said the police department is the lead investigative unit on the case.

He added that both chapters have been suspended on an interim basis, barring them from participating in normal functions of a Greek organization until the investigation has concluded.

‘This was an unfortunate incident involving these two fraternities and two young men who let their emotions get the best of them,’ Morrow said. ‘At the very least, their educational careers have been interrupted. At the most, their lives have been deeply affected.’

Asst. News Editor Shawn Anderson contributed to this report.

Published on November 19, 2001 at 12:00 pm