Stetson University Linebacker Nick Blakely has passed away after collapsing on a practice field Monday.
During practice, Blakely expressed he felt ill on the sidelines while experiencing a rapid pulse. According to a police report, the sophomore suffered a seizure and was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Terrible news to say the least, Nick Blakely was only 19 years old. Stetson released the following statement following the shocking news:
Statement from Stetson University President, Dr. Wendy B. Libby:
It is with great sadness that I inform the university that Nicholas Adam Blakely, a 19-year-old sophomore accounting major from Lawrenceville, Georgia, passed away this evening.
Nicholas, known as Nick to his friends, is a member of the Stetson University football team and was on the sidelines shortly after practice began this evening when he complained of not feeling well and collapsed. Nick was transported by ambulance to Florida Hospital DeLand.
Nick’s parents have been notified. Coach Roger Hughes has informed the football team. Athletic Director Jeff Altier is informing members of the Athletic Department, and the university is contacting Nick’s faculty.
Counselors have been on hand at the Athletic Training Center with the football team.
Several of Nick’s teammates took to twitter afterwards to express their condolences.
picture gave me chills. lost a brother and a teammate. can’t believe you’re gone brother you will never be forgotten ❤️ #Rip37 #SUnited pic.twitter.com/pE02J2MKWz
— Joshua Christian (@JoshhChristian) August 29, 2017
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
Blakely redshirted last season and was expected to make his season debut this weekend.
