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Duke

Duke WR Holliday critically injured in boating accident

Jul 5, 2012

Durham, N.C. — Blair Holliday, a sophomore wide receiver at Duke University, was critically injured Wednesday in a jet ski accident at Lake Tillery just south of the Uwahrrie National Forest.

According to the university, Holliday was transported to UNC Trauma Center in Chapel Hill for head and neck injuries after colliding with teammate Jamison Crowder. Crowder, also a wide receiver, refused treatment at the scene. More Info     More Duke Stories

Just before 4 p.m. Thursday, Duke head coach David Cuttcliffe took to twitter to update Holliday's condition saying, "Blair Holliday is in critical but stable condition after a boating collision while at the lake. Please pray for him and his family."

Lt. John Howell of the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission said that they were dispatched to a call at 5:02 p.m. of two personal watercraft colliding. Three wildlife officers, who were working the lake for the holiday, responded along with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department and Mount Gilead Fire Department. 

The accident is still under investigation.

"First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with Blair, his parents, Leslie and Rick, and the entire Holliday family,” Cuttcliffe said in a statement. “The Holliday family is one of tremendous character and strength, and is truly an inspiration for all of us. Secondly, we could not be more appreciative of the care and support Blair has received here at UNC Hospitals. The doctors, nurses and support staff have been truly outstanding. “

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Holliday was named the co-most improved offensive player on the team following this year’s spring practice and was listed as a starter on the depth chart for the upcoming season. He caught eight Sean Renfree passes for 84 yards and a touchdown to highlight a Blue Devils’ spring scrimmage on March 17.

Holliday caught 3 passes for 30 yards in 10 games for the Blue Devils as a freshman, seeing the field for 119 snaps.

He was a highly-touted wide receiver (No. 71 by ESPN, No. 89 by Scout.com and No. 8 in Calif. by GoldenStatePreps.com) coming out of Oaks Christian High School in Sherman Oaks, Calif.

Duke has nine wide receivers on their roster, six of whom are underclassmen including the highly-recruited Max McCaffrey. Belitnikoff Award watch list and preseason All-ACC First-Teamer Conner Vernon is the lone senior in the corps.

Duke opens the 2012 season at home against Florida International on Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.

• Web Editor: Aaron Schoonmaker