Cherokee High senior in hospital following pool mishap

A Cherokee High School senior is in the hospital with serious injuries suffered in a swimming pool accident.

Matt Blaylock, 18, had been scheduled to attend graduation ceremonies Saturday.

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AJC File

Matt Blaylock was an all-Cherokee County selection at linebacker.

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Blaylock was flown by medical helicopter to Grady Memorial Hospital 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.

Mike McGowan, public information officer for the Cherokee County schools, said Blaylock’s absence will be recognized at graduation.

“I believe when he is stabilized enough to receive visitors, the administration will take him his diploma to the hospital,” McGowan said.

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

He was to attend Tennessee’s Tusculum College on a football scholarship.

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

The incident is under investigation.