A former Buford High School and Air Force Academy football star who was critically injured in a motorcycle accident died Thursday.

Devin Durden, 21, spent several days in critical condition at Gwinnett Medical Center. Family friends said he was on a respirator battling pneumonia, a complication from the accident. Doctors diagnosed Durden with a severed spinal cord.

Durden's father, Gene Durden, is the women's head basketball coach at Buford High School. His assistant coach, Stuart Hall, said Devin spoke briefly to his family during the 12 hours he was off the respirator.

"He spoke twice," said Hall. "He mentioned his brother Christian's name. He said Christian, then to Coach Durden, he said 'let's go home.'"

But when complications set in, Hall said doctors put him back on a different type of respirator.

A family friend said Durden died around 3:15 a.m. Thursday. The friend said family members are still working on funeral arrangements.

Friends said the family is still dealing with mounting medical bills. You can donate by visiting friendsofthedurdens.org or  devindurdenfund.blogspot.com

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