ALBANY, NY – In a heart-wrenching twist of fate, Michele Morgan Bolton’s attempt to shield her son from harm by moving out of New York ultimately could not prevent his tragic death there 14 years later.
Immediate Impact
Michele Morgan Bolton, a former journalist, relocated her family from Albany, New York, to Massachusetts in an effort to protect her son, Alex, from relentless bullying. Despite these efforts, Alex was fatally shot in Albany in 2021, a tragic end that underscores the unpredictable nature of life.
Key Details Emerge
Bolton, who had Alex at the age of 31, described him as a beautiful boy with copper-blonde hair and sparkling green eyes. Early signs of bullying became evident in late middle school, leading to a decision to move the family to Massachusetts. This decision was also influenced by Bolton’s desire to be closer to her ailing mother.
“We make the best, most loving decisions we can with what we know in the moment,” Bolton reflects on her decision to move.
Alex’s Journey and Struggles
After settling in Massachusetts, Alex finished high school and joined the Army, serving two tours in Afghanistan. His service left him with injuries and a lung condition, Sarcoidosis, caused by exposure to burn pits. He was medically retired at 26, returning home with significant challenges.
Despite the family’s efforts to support him, Alex’s health deteriorated, and depression set in. Plans for a much-needed veterans’ program in Boston fell through, leaving Alex devastated.
Alex’s Tragic End
In a cruel twist of fate, Alex returned to upstate New York to visit friends and was killed in a mass shooting outside an Albany bar. The irony of his death, near the place his family had fled to protect him, is not lost on Bolton.
“I will never forget the 2 a.m. call from the Albany Police that took part of me, too,” Bolton recounts.
By the Numbers
- 14 years: The time between the family’s move and Alex’s death
- 2 tours: Alex’s service in Afghanistan
- 26: Age at which Alex was medically retired
What Comes Next
Bolton reflects on the move and its implications, expressing regret for the circumstances that forced her family’s relocation. Yet, she remains grateful for the additional years spent with Alex, emphasizing the preciousness of time together.
While the family’s story is marked by tragedy, Bolton’s reflections highlight the complexity of parental decisions and the unpredictable nature of life. As communities continue to grapple with issues of bullying and veteran care, Alex’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind these challenges.
