Nick's 24th Birthday

Today would have been Nick's 24th Birthday.   I know I've posted his "story" before, but I'm often asked "what happened", this is the best way I can continue to share his story, and hopefully prevent other families from going thru what we have:

Nick's Story:

In the summer of 2003, Nicholas was preparing to start High School and he had made the Varsity Wrestling Team.

On August 16th, several members of the wrestling team wanted to initiate the new members by making them play the "Choking Game". Nicholas was about 5’6" and weighed 120 lbs. He was placed in a choke-hold by a much larger teammate. The point of the game was for Nick to stay in the choke-hold until he either "tapped-out" or "passed-out".

The force used in the choke-hold crushed Nick’s windpipe. He never had the chance to "tap-out".

There were 5 members of the Wrestling Team involved in Nick’s Death. One was charged with Reckless Homicide and the other 4 were charged with Hindering Prosecution and Obstruction of Justice.

I think it’s safe to say that not only did this end Nick’s life, but also it forever changed the lives of the other 5 involved.

Most kids have no idea how dangerous this activity is. Most parents have no idea that kids are doing this until someone in their lives is killed or are damaged by it.

Schools seem oblivious to it, although it has been reported numerous times that this activity often takes place at school.

In Nick’s case, this "Game" was used as a Hazing Game by the wrestling team. In many cases it is self-inflicted.

Why Do Kids Do This?

Some do it for the high, which can become addictive. Others do it because it's "cool" and risky. Most of the kids who have died from this were not children in trouble. Most were well liked; active, intelligent, stable children who wanted nothing to do with drugs or alcohol. This was an activity they felt was safe. Children have no clue about the physiological principles involved and need to be told by the adults in their lives how dangerous this is. Also, most kids have no concept of their own mortality. They truly believe nothing can hurt them.

My hope is that Nick’s story can prevent this from happening to another child.

Nicholas was a bright, beautiful, precocious child, with a sophisticated sense of humor. He was killed on August 16th, 2003. He was 14 years old.