One University of Rochester student is fighting for his life, while another stands accused of hitting him while driving drunk.

20-year-old Ariel Marc Nassau Besprosvany, a freshman from Mexico, was struck by a car on South Plymouth Avenue around 12:45 a.m. Saturday.  He was rushed to Strong Memorial Hospital with a critical head injury.

A University of Rochester senior, Mujtaba Syed, 25, of Dansville was arrested at the scene, and charged with DWI and speeding.  The accident happened just off campus where Genesee, Plymouth, and Brooks come together. 

Students say the area is well lit at night, and say they’re disgusted by what happened.  University of Rochester junior Gregory Benson says students are “certainly hurt and surprised.  It's a terrible thing to have happen to one of your friends. I can't believe it happened.”

Most nearby businesses were closed when the accident happened, but students say it's not uncommon for students to pass through the area at that hour.  Liesel Schwarz, a University of Rochester junior, says, “I mean we can all see ourselves in that exact same situation.  I mean it's not their fault, they're walking across the street and somebody not paying attention hits them so we can all relate and are afraid that we could be in that same position ourselves."

In a statement, University of Rochester President Joel Seligman said, “We offer warm wishes to Ariel for a speedy recovery and for his return to his life as a student here.We will provide any assistance we can to support Ariel’s family and friends at this time.”

The victim’s parents are traveling to Rochester from Mexico to be with their son.The University says counseling will be offered to his family and friends.

Mujtaba Syed has been released on bail from the Monroe County Jail. The University says it will also reach out to Syed’s family members and friends.