Stetson football player Nick Blakely dies after collapsing at practice
By Kevin Duffey
Published:
Tragedy has struck the Stetson University (DeLand, Fla.) football team.
Nick Blakely, a redshirt freshman defensive back and an accounting major, died Monday after collapsing at practice, the school’s athletic director confirmed Monday night.
Blakely complained he was not feeling well and collapsed shortly after practice begun, according to a statement by the university. He was transported to Florida Hospital where he passed away.
“We had a tragic incident and a young man lost his life this evening,” Stetson Athletic Director Jeff Altier told The News-Journal via phone. “We are devastated by the loss, and our heart goes out the family and to the team members as they deal with this tragic loss.”
Blakely was just 19 years old.
Blakely’s bio lists his hometown of Lawrenceville, Ga. and from Archer High School, which is about 45 minutes northeast of Atlanta. He ultimately never got the opportunity to play in a college football game.
He was a multi-sport star in high school, playing running back and safety on the football team and a member of the 4×400-relay team. His team posted a 33-7 record during his three-year high school career.
Anytime tragedy strikes any team, all of college football feels it.
A graduate of the University of Florida and founder of Saturday Down South, Kevin is a college football enthusiast.
