Michelle Wilson, the mother of former Archer High School athlete Nick Blakely, has been tirelessly working to honor her son’s memory by promoting awareness about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and ensuring that schools and sports groups are equipped to handle such emergencies.
Recently, she gifted a brand-new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to Seckinger High School in Gwinnett County, Georgia, in memory of Nick, who tragically passed away during a college football practice in 2017.
Nick Blakely was a young athlete born on November 4, 1997, in DeKalb, Georgia, to Milton Blakely and Michelle Wilson.
He grew up with his siblings, Ryan Brown, Jared Blakely, Shayla Blakely, and Paige Blakely, in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Nick’s passion for football began early, and he was an important member of the Archer High School Tigers, playing defensive back and running back.
During his high school years, the Tigers enjoyed an outstanding three-year stretch, winning 33 games. Nick was also a school track team member, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.
After graduating from Archer High School in 2016, Nick pursued his dream of playing Division I college football at Stetson University in Florida.
He was a promising young player who redshirted his first season with the program in 2016. Nick was dedicated to his sport and a diligent student, majoring in accounting.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck just days before Nick made his college football debut.
On August 25, 2017, Nick collapsed on the sidelines during a team practice.
Despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to sudden cardiac arrest. The autopsy revealed that Nick had an enlarged heart, which contributed to his untimely death.
The Loss of Her Beloved Son Forever Changed Michelle Wilson’s Life!
However, she has channeled her grief into a mission to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
Michelle has been raising awareness about SCA and its impact on young athletes through the Nick Blakely Foundation.
She believes that early detection and preparedness are crucial in saving lives.
Michelle has donated nearly a dozen AEDs to schools and sports groups across Georgia.
Her first donation was on August 11, 2018, when she gifted an AED to Rhodes Jordan Park in Lawrenceville, where Nick played youth football.
This park holds a special place in her heart, as it was where Nick’s love for football began.
Michelle’s efforts have honored Nick’s memory and made a real difference in her community.
She has partnered with Gwinnett County Parks to host annual heart screening clinics, free for anyone aged 10-22.
These clinics aim to identify potential heart conditions early, ensuring that young athletes can receive the necessary medical attention before it’s too late.
In addition to her work with the Nick Blakely Foundation, Michelle has collaborated with other organizations dedicated to heart health, including the Terrell Wilson Foundation, the Jeremy Nelson Foundation, Simon’s Heart, and The Cardiovascular Group.
Together, they hosted a free youth heart screening event for children aged 12-19 at the Cardiovascular Group building in Lawrenceville.
Nick Blakely’s Impact Is Still Felt In His Hometown, Where He Is Remembered As A Kind And Dedicated Individual!
The Lawrenceville Youth Association has honored Nick by awarding scholarships in his name to deserving seniors who participated in the youth football program during their elementary school years.
Recipients Jaylen King and Reggie Shelton received these scholarships, symbolizing Nick’s enduring influence on his community.
Michelle’s recent donation of an AED to Seckinger High School is a testament to her ongoing commitment to ensuring that schools are equipped to respond to cardiac emergencies.
This gesture honors Nick’s memory and highlights the importance of preparedness in saving lives.
Nick Blakely’s Mother, Michelle, has prompted Georgia lawmakers to pass legislation requiring student athletes to learn the signs of SCA and undergo annual reviews by coaches.
Michelle Wilson’s tribute to her son, Nick Blakely, is a powerful reminder of the importance of heart health awareness and preparedness in schools.
Through her tireless work, she has kept Nick’s memory alive and contributed to saving lives in her community.
As she continues to advocate for heart screenings and AED placements, her legacy, alongside Nick’s, will inspire countless others to take action against sudden cardiac arrest.
