Cal Poly recruit paralyzed in pool accident

(STATS) - Cal Poly football recruit Jake Javier was left paralyzed with a broken neck in a pool accident in Danville, California, the Big Sky Conference university announced Saturday.

Javier, a 6-foot-3, 260-pound offensive lineman, fell from a hot tub into a pool at a friend's house Thursday, one day prior to his graduation from San Ramon Valley High School. He underwent surgery at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.

Javier is paralyzed from the chest down, his aunt Diane Blardony told the East Bay Times. She added he will be in the intensive care unit for at least the next two weeks.

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"Jake is a great young man, a quality guy and he was at our spring game in April," Cal Poly coach Tim Walsh said. "We were looking forward to his arrival at Cal Poly, but now our thoughts and prayers are with him as we hope for his best possible recovery."

Javier was named the athlete of the year at San Ramon Valley. A friend accepted Javier's diploma at the school's graduation Friday.

In a letter to parents and teachers, San Ramon Valley principal Ruth Steele said, "Jake is a special young man, and this tragic accident has left our staff, students and families absolutely devastated."

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