Colton Wilson badly injured in skateboarding accident

Colton Wilson, the South Whidbey High School baseball player who five years ago used his wish from the Make-a-Wish Foundation to renovate the school's baseball field, was badly injured in a skateboarding accident Wednesday in Lynnwood.

Wilson, who has been cancer free for nearly five years after being diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma in July 2006, is in critical condition and in a coma in the Intensive Care Unit at Harborview Medical Center after falling off of his skateboard and hitting his head, his sister Stina Wenzek said Tuesday. Wilson wasn't wearing a helmet.

"I truly believe a miracle is going to happen," Wenzek said. "I feel at peace because there are so many people rooting and praying for him."

Wilson, 21, now lives in Lynnwood. He fell off of his skateboard while riding along Highway 99 near Shelby Road, landing on the back of his head and breaking his skull, Wenzek said. Wilson fell in front of Lake Serene Walk-in Clinic and was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center within 40 minutes of the accident.

Since the accident, Wilson has undergone three surgeries, one to fix a number of blood vessels in his neck that were damaged during the fall. According to Wenzek, Wilson is breathing on his own and his body is beginning to regulate its own temperature. He's expected to remain in the ICU for at least six weeks.

Wilson, who before the accident was playing baseball for the Cobras in the Puget Sound Senior Baseball League, became a media sensation five years ago when he used his wish from the Make-a-Wish Foundation to renovate the baseball field that he and his South Whidbey teammates played on. The renovated field was unveiled in front of a large crowd of friends and family on June 16, 2007.

Family is encouraging friends and well-wishers to go to the Facebook pages of Colton or his mother, Lana Ray Wilson, and leave comments and encouragements. Those who wish to help the family can contact Lana Ray at lanaraywilson@gmail.com.