CLEVELAND– A long-time friend of 22-year-old Lauren Block says friends, along with family, are praying for her quick recovery.
The Richmond Heights woman was reportedly on the second floor of Christie’s Cabaret in the Flats Wednesday morning, when she went over the balcony and landed on her head.
Liz Elkhoury says she and Block have been friends since the 6th grade. She says she was devastated when she found out about the accident.
“It hit me, hit me in a soft spot,” Elkhoury said Thursday afternoon during an interview at her South Euclid home. “I know she will be OK. If everyone just prays for her and her family.”
Elkhoury said Block is a good person and a good friend.
The family has asked for their privacy at this time, but according to friends they are asking for the community to pray that Lauren makes a full recovery.
“If everyone keeps her in their prayers, keeps her in mind, and you know, hopefully just maybe keep away from the family, give them their privacy, it is really a traumatic event,” Elkhoury said.
Hospital officials say Block remains in critical condition.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials say they are trying to determine if they have jurisdiction to investigate. Dancers at the club are independent contractors. OSHA should have a decision in about two weeks.
According to 911 tapes, there appears to have been some confusion as to what happened. The first calls indicate Block may have been pushed. Cleveland police, however, have determined it is not a criminal matter. A customer that was with Block at the time says Block was attempting some sort of jump or dance move and fell head first over the rail.
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