ALBANY, NY – In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Michele Morgan Bolton reflects on the painful irony of losing her son Alex in the very place she once fled to protect him.
Immediate Impact
Michele Morgan Bolton, a former journalist, moved her family from New York to Massachusetts in a desperate bid to shield her son from relentless bullying. Fourteen years later, Alex was tragically killed in a mass shooting in Albany, NY, highlighting the unpredictable nature of life.
Key Details Emerge
Alex was a vibrant child, described by his mother as having “copper-blonde hair and deep, sparkling green eyes.” Despite a loving family environment, Alex faced severe bullying in school, leading to a pivotal decision to relocate.
“Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, life seems determined to break our hearts,” Bolton stated.
Bolton’s career in Albany was thriving, yet the safety and well-being of her son took precedence. The move to Massachusetts was not only a fresh start but a chance to be closer to her own ailing mother.
Alex’s Journey and Challenges
After moving, Alex flourished, completing high school and serving in the Army. He was stationed at Fort Drum, NY, and completed two tours in Afghanistan. However, his service came at a cost, leaving him with severe injuries and lung disease.
Alex was medically retired at 26, suffering from Sarcoidosis due to exposure to burn pits.
Despite these challenges, Alex’s transition to civilian life was fraught with difficulties, compounded by his progressing illness and deepening depression.
Tragic End in Upstate New York
In 2021, Alex was on the verge of receiving critical medical intervention at a Boston hospital. However, a bureaucratic oversight led to the cancellation of his treatment, leaving him devastated.
Seeking solace, Alex visited friends near his former home in upstate New York. Tragically, he was killed in a mass shooting outside an Albany bar, a cruel twist of fate for a mother who had moved mountains to protect him.
“The irony was devastating,” Bolton lamented, recalling the night she received the fateful call from Albany Police.
Background Context
Bolton’s decision to move was driven by a desire to escape the bullying that plagued Alex’s early years. The transition to Massachusetts provided a temporary respite and allowed the family to rebuild their lives.
Alex’s military service was a source of pride, yet it also introduced new challenges. His health deteriorated rapidly, and he struggled to adapt to life outside the military.
What Comes Next
Bolton reflects on the mixed emotions of regret and gratitude. While the move did not ultimately save Alex, it afforded the family 14 more years together.
“Gaining more time with this amazing human in our lives was a precious gift I could never regret,” she concluded.
The story of Michele Morgan Bolton and her son Alex serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the enduring strength of a mother’s love.