Cherokee High senior upgraded to fair condition

A Cherokee High School senior injured in a swimming pool accident has been upgraded from critical to fair condition at Grady Memorial Hospital.

Matt Blaylock, 18, was flown by medical helicopter to Grady Friday night, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said. He hurt himself diving into the shallow end of a swimming pool in the Bridgemill subdivision in Canton, authorities said.

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Matt Blaylock, 18, was injured in a swimming pool accident Friday.

Blaylock had been scheduled to attend graduation ceremonies this past Saturday.

Mike McGowan, public information officer for Cherokee County schools, said Blaylock was recognized at the graduation ceremony. An unofficial collection for the family was taken outside of school property, he said.

School administrators will likely take Blaylock’s diploma to him at the hospital when he is well enough to receive visitors, he said.

Blaylock played football for Cherokee High and was an all-Cherokee County selection at linebacker. He also played on the basketball team.

“Everybody’s thinking about him and praying for him today,” McGowan said.

The incident is under investigation.

— Staff writer Katie Leslie contributed to this article.