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.  If you need counseling, you can contact them at (386) 822-8900 from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM.  If you are in urgent need to speak to a counselor outside of those hours, you can contact Public Safety at (386) 822-7300 and ask to speak with the on-call counselor.  You can also contact the Chaplains http://www.stetson.edu/administration/chaplain/

More information will follow shortly regarding a memorial. An informal gathering of Nick's friends and colleagues will be held at Allen Hall Tuesday, August 29, at noon.