A rock climbing wall at the University of Iowa remains closed this week after a student fell about 30 feet last Thursday night – badly injuring his spine. Police say 21-year-old Spencer Bean landed on his feet, but then briefly passed out before being rushed to University of Iowa Hospitals.

According to an online blog from a family member, a neurosurgeon said it’s a miracle Bean wasn’t paralyzed. The blog indicates he crushed two vertebrae and underwent an eight-hour surgery. It remains unclear how or why Bean fell from the rock climbing wall located at the U-I Recreation and Wellness Center.