Milligan University Student Shares Experience After Carbon Monoxide Leak

Hundreds impacted by incident at campus fieldhouse, student recounts friend's health scare.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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After a carbon monoxide leak at the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse on the campus of Milligan University in Tennessee impacted hundreds of people, one student shared their friend's experience of being affected by the incident. The fieldhouse remains temporarily closed as the university works to ensure the safety of all students and staff before reopening.

Why it matters

Carbon monoxide leaks can be extremely dangerous, causing serious health issues and even death if not addressed quickly. This incident at Milligan University highlights the importance of proper ventilation and monitoring systems in campus facilities to protect the wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff.

The details

According to the report, one Milligan University student, Ben Dykes, said his friend on the school's swim team was affected by the carbon monoxide leak. Dykes said his friend had to go to urgent care after the incident and almost passed out earlier, likely due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The friend has since been released from the hospital after receiving treatment.

  • The carbon monoxide leak occurred at the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse on the Milligan University campus.
  • As of Thursday morning, the fieldhouse remained temporarily closed while the university worked to ensure the safety of the facility.

The players

Ben Dykes

A Milligan University student who shared the experience of his friend, a member of the school's swim team, being affected by the carbon monoxide leak.

Milligan University

The university where the carbon monoxide leak occurred at the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse, impacting hundreds of people.

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What they’re saying

“One of my friends was on a phone call, I wasn't sure what was going on. Then after he was done with the call, he just said he has to go to urgent care. And I'm like, 'what's wrong?' And there's apparently carbon monoxide poisoning from the field house. He's pretty bummed to, like, miss class and all that, and I think he said he almost passed out earlier, so that would explain some things.”

— Ben Dykes, Milligan University student (wjhl.com)

What’s next

The university officials stated the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse will remain closed until they can ensure the safety and health of all students and staff.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the critical importance of proper safety and monitoring systems in campus facilities to protect the wellbeing of students. Carbon monoxide leaks can have serious health consequences, and universities must prioritize the safety of their communities.