The Stetson football program is mourning the loss of one of its student-athletes. On Monday, 19-year old Nick Blakely said he didn’t feel well, then collapsed. Blakely was rushed to an area hospital where he later died.
The university confirmed the tragic news with a statement.
Blakey’s parents were notified, and the school is making counselors available to any students who would benefit from their service.
Several of his teammates took to Twitter to express their condolences and share memories of Blakely.
God bless you, Nick Blakely. You were such a great guy to be around, making everyone around you better. This year's for you brother. #RIP37
— Jonny Messina (@JonnyMessina) August 29, 2017
Appreciate and cherish every moment with your teammates and loved ones. You will be dearly missed, I love you Nick #foreverahatter #Rip37
— Jacob Rovig (@J_Rovig28) August 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/NickAndreasQB/status/902374479363440640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fcollege-football%2F2017%2F08%2F29%2Fnick-blakely-stetson-football-player-death
Stetson has yet to announce any plans to dedicate the season to Blakey’s honor. However, it is customary to wear a patch or have an inscription of some kind on the field when tragedy hits a program this way. The Stetson Hatters will open their season on the road on Sept. 2 against Sacred Heart. Their first home game will be in Week 3 against Dartmouth.
Blakely redshirted as a freshman last season, and was used as both a running back and defensive back. He also competed in track and field as a member of the 4×400-realy team.
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Photo Credit: Stetson Athletics
