Albany
State University Mourns Loss of Student-Athlete
August 7, 2003
ALBANY, GA -- The Albany State University (ASU)
family mourns the tragic loss of student-athlete Jackie F.
Blanding, a 26-year-old defensive lineman for the ASU Golden
Rams Football Team, today. Prior to meeting with the team this
afternoon, Head Coach Mike White said, “We are deeply
saddened by this tragic loss and our condolences and prayers
are with Mr. Blanding’s family.”
According to White, the Albany State University Football Team
began its routine conditioning test this morning at about 6
a.m. Shortly after that time, Blanding, a 6’2”-
270-pound transfer student from Middle Georgia College, collapsed.
ASU Public Safety Office Investigator Joe Walker said football
coaches contacted Emergency Management Services who transported
Blanding to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Mr. Blanding died
at approximately 8:20 a.m., according to the local coroner.
Blanding, a junior and native of Riverdale, Georgia, reported
to the ASU Golden Rams Training Camp August 5. Prior to enrolling
at Albany State, he served in the U.S. Army, attended Georgia
Military College and spent one year (1995) as a football player
at Virginia Union University.
Walter Kimbrough, vice president for Student Affairs, said
that grief counseling has been offered to players, coaches
and students who are trying to cope with this sudden tragedy.
