AU visiting scholar remains in critical condition a week after accident

A visiting scholar remains in critical condition a week after being struck by an Auburn University student on West Magnolia Avenue as she crossed the street.

Shou Ju Chen, 35, a visiting scholar in the Department of Industrial and Graphic Design, remains in critical condition at Columbus Regional Medical Center, according to a hospital spokesperson.

Chen was airlifted to the hospital on Nov. 6 after begin struck by a Toyota 4-Runner driven by pre-business major Thomas R. Latham, 20, near the Shelby Center for Engineering Technology on West Magnolia Avenue.

Latham, of Auburn, was charged with DUI and arrested at the scene. Auburn Police Division Capt. Tom Stofer said the investigation was ongoing and would not comment further on the case, saying the department would present its findings to the district attorney’s office when the investigation was complete.

Professor Clark Lundell, head of the Industrial Design department, said Chen was at Auburn to observe the college’s design program. Chen is an associate professor at her home university in China, and while she was not teaching at AU, she observed classes and participated in many of the department’s activities, Lundell said.

While faculty have visited Chen, Lundell said there are currently no plans for a vigil or other university event.