Graduation night for students at an East Bay high school took a somber turn as many honored a star football player paralyzed in a tragic accident.
Jake Javier is facing a long recovery after suffering an injury while diving into a swimming pool in Danville. Emergency crews airlifted the senior student to the hospital late Thursday following the incident.
Javier, a standout football player at San Ramon Valley High School, broke his neck at a pool party celebrating the end of the school year.
A GoFundMe page says Javier is paralyzed from the chest down. His best friend accepted his high honors diploma with his football jersey in hand.
"He's a bright kid," said Aaron Becker, San Ramon Valley High's football coach. "He's going to figure out what to do. We'll help him, love him and support him."
Javier planned to play football and study engineering at Cal Poly.
Best friend Nick Kane described Javier as "strong."
Local
"He believes God has a plan," Kane said. "He's going to stay strong."
The Danville Police Department is investigating the accident that caused Javier's injury.
