The Sudden Loss of Blake Barklage

• 💔 Blake Barklage, a 17-year-old team manager for LaSalle's soccer team, tragically passed away from a sudden heart attack on October 30th, 2021, shortly after clinching a league championship.
• ⚡ His mother received a final "I love you, have fun" text before his unexpected collapse at a team party, leaving his family and friends devastated.
• 🩺 The cause of death was later identified as lymphocytic myocarditis, an infection that led to an enlarged heart, though the specific origin of the infection remains unknown.

Blake's Character and Passions

• 🧠 Blake is remembered as witty, intelligent, kind, and hardworking, with a strong sense of humor and a passion for challenging ideas.
• 🇺🇸 He was deeply patriotic, loved American history, and was an advocate for his beliefs, even respectfully challenging the school's mask mandate via email.
• 🤝 Blake was also dedicated to service, volunteering at Trieste Hall for men with intellectual disabilities, where he formed meaningful connections.

The Community's Response and Legacy

• 🌟 Blake's family, Allison and Tom, and his sister Alexis, found strength and support from their community, demonstrating resilience and love in the face of tragedy.
• 💖 Blake's friends, known as the "Divine Nine," have become a steadfast support system for the family, especially Alexis, stepping in as a surrogate family.
• 🕊️ Blake's legacy is kept alive through community events, including an annual Fourth of July celebration reading the Declaration of Independence, and his organ donation provided life to several recipients.

Signs and Continued Connection

• 🧡 The family and friends frequently see signs, often in the color orange (Clemson's color), which they interpret as Blake's continued presence and guidance.
• 📚 The book "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg provided comfort and a framework for navigating grief, emphasizing resilience and moving forward.
• 🏥 The Barklage family partnered with Simon's Heart to screen children for cardiac issues, a cause inspired by Blake's story, and LaSalle High School was among the first to host a screening.

Lessons on Life and Purpose

• ✨ Blake's passing has taught his friends to live more presently and appreciate each moment, understanding the fragility of life and the importance of connection.
• 💪 The family's journey highlights the strength found in community, love, and perseverance, demonstrating that even in profound loss, life can continue with purpose and meaning.