In a statement released on Monday, Stetson University in Deland, Fla., confirmed that 19-year-old Nick Blakely died after collapsing in practice. Blakely went to the sidelines early into practice saying that he wasn't feeling well, and he was drinking water when he apparently had a seizure. Blakely was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Students, coaches and players took to Twitter to remember Blakely. Stetson's teammates can speak with school counselors that have been made available to them.
@nickblakely It was truly a blessing to coach you while I gained a brother as well.God got an angel https://t.co/rptfK8oUKQ you Nick 😢 #Rip pic.twitter.com/rmvZpDgyWv
— Coach Barker (@DBarker2442) August 29, 2017
Hard news to hear. Thank you for bringing out the best in us. Praying for @StetsonFootball tonight, keep the faith. RIP Nick Blakely
— Jonathan Jerozal (@jjerozal_13) 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
Alpha Kappa Psi would like to extend our condolences to the friends and family of Nick Blakely. It is... https://t.co/J0b584PH4e
— AKPsi - Theta Mu (@AKPsi_ThetaMu) August 29, 2017
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
"Its tough for us as a community, we're just trying to stay strong," Stetson quarterback Gaven Defillippo told the Daytona Beach News-Journal. "Thoughts and prayers go out to Nick and his family. Our hearts are broken as well. He had this infectious smile that would light up a room no matter what type of day you were having. He'd give you that smile and it would light you up. He was a great teammate and he will be missed."
"It was a tragedy," said sophomore C.J. Petty to the News-Journal. "Because of the size of our campus, when something hits you really feel it. The campus just isn't the same."
Blakely's personality affected everyone around him. "He was always a vibrant person," said Donavon Barker, an assistant coach at Blakely's high school who kept in touch with Blakely after he graduated in 2016. "Everyone wanted to be around him because he was always happy and positive. The kids below him, all my ninth graders, they looked up to him. They looked to him for advice and guidance. He was a true leader on and off the field, in our community. I just can't say enough about how great a guy he was and how great a future he was going to have."