What Happened to Blaize Madrid-Evans?

By Alice Nichols

Blaize Madrid-Evans was a promising young athlete from Colorado who tragically passed away at the tender age of 17. He was a standout football player at Eaglecrest High School and had dreams of playing at the collegiate level. However, his life was cut short in 2019 when he collapsed during a football practice and later died in the hospital.

The cause of Blaize’s death shocked many as he had no prior medical conditions or history of health issues. It was later discovered that he had suffered from exertional rhabdomyolysis, a rare but potentially fatal condition that occurs when muscle tissue breaks down rapidly and releases harmful substances into the bloodstream.

Blaize’s untimely death sent shockwaves through the football community and sparked conversations about the safety of high school sports. His family and friends set up a foundation in his honor called “BlaizeStrong” to raise awareness about exertional rhabdomyolysis and advocate for safer training practices in high school athletics.

The BlaizeStrong Foundation has since made significant strides in promoting safer training practices, including partnering with medical professionals to educate coaches on how to recognize and prevent exertional rhabdomyolysis. They have also provided financial support to families affected by similar tragedies.

Blaize’s legacy continues to live on through the BlaizeStrong Foundation, which has inspired many to take action towards making high school sports safer for all athletes. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of our bodies and being vigilant about potential health risks, especially when it comes to physical activity.

In conclusion, Blaize Madrid-Evans was an exceptional young athlete whose life was tragically cut short due to exertional rhabdomyolysis. His passing has sparked important conversations about athlete safety in high school sports, leading to positive changes through the efforts of the BlaizeStrong Foundation. May his memory continue to inspire us to prioritize the health and well-being of athletes everywhere.