Holliday stable but critical, accident investigation continues

Duke

Holliday stable but critical, accident investigation continues

Duke wide receiver Blair Holliday was critically injured in a jet ski accident at Lake Tillery on July 4.

Jul 10, 2012

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Chapel Hill, N.C. — Five days after suffering severe head injuries in a jet ski accident, Duke wide receiver Blair Holliday remains in critical but stable condition, according to the university.

On Monday, a Duke spokesperson could not confirm reports that Holliday is in a coma, but said his condition remains unchanged.

In recent days, social media has been a popular outlet for friends, teammates and supporters of the sophomore. A twitter hashtag, #prayfor8, has been used frequently to offer support for Holliday, who wears No. 8 on his uniform. Even head coach David Cutcliffe has used social media to give updates on Holliday’s condition. On Monday, Cutcliffe tweeted, “Please continue to pray for Blair. He’s stable but still critical. I’m with him now and letting him know of ur prayers.”

In a statement Tuesday Blair's parents, Leslie and Rick Holliday, thanked family, friends and the Duke family for their continued support.

"Our family would like to extend its sincere gratitude to everyone who has provided thoughts and prayers on Blair’s behalf over the last week. We have been overcome with the extended love and support.

"As we continue focusing our energy towards Blair and our family, we also would like to thank everyone for respecting our privacy as it pertains to his condition," the statement continued.

Holliday was injured on July 4 at Lake Tillery, just south of Uwahrrie National Forest, after he and teammate Jamison Crowder collided while each on a personal watercraft, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. Holliday was transported to Stanly Regional Medical Center in Albemarle, N.C., before being airlifted to UNC Trauma Center in Chapel Hill where he remains.

Crowder, also a wide receiver on the Blue Devils’ football team, refused treatment at the scene.

According to Lt. John Howell of the NCWRC, the investigation into the accident remains ongoing with no definite timetable.

“We have got to go back and re-interview some of the witnesses and review the condition of Blair,” Howell said. “We’re going to have to wait on all the pieces. I’m not going to hurry the officer that is working on the investigation.”

Howell said that the accident took place close enough to the shore line of the lake that a large number of Fourth of July holiday visitors would have seen the collision.

Holliday appeared in 10 games for Duke last season as a freshman and was slated to start for the team in 2012. He has three career catches for 30 yards and was named the co-most improved offensive player in spring drills.