BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Tyler Schilhabel, a quarterback at Independence High School, is paralyzed from the chest down after being injured in an accident at Pismo Beach, according to Sean McKeown, his football coach.

Schilhabel, 16, was injured Sunday afternoon in an accident involving an off-road vehicle, according to a spokesman for the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's department.

Independence High School Students React To Recent Accident

Schilhabel was taken to Twin Cities Community Hospital and then transported to Stanford Hospital.

"I have just spoken with the Schilhabel family and have been told that Tyler is out of surgery. The long term prognosis is uncertain, but right now Tyler is paralyzed from the chest down. The next 36 hours is crucial to his overall recovery, and the family asks for continued prayers for Tyler and their family", McKeown said in a statement released Monday morning.

McKeown contacted ABC23 and said, "I just spoke with Tyler, (around 2 p.m. on Tuesday) and he was in good spirits. (Tyler) thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers. I've been told that he will be transfered to a rehab center this week to start the rehabilitation process."