ALBANY, NY – A mother’s attempt to shield her son from harm by relocating their family has ended in heartbreak, as her son was tragically killed in the very state she sought to escape.
Immediate Impact
Michele Morgan Bolton moved her family from New York to Massachusetts 14 years ago, hoping to protect her son Alex from relentless bullying. Despite her efforts, Alex was killed in a mass shooting in Albany in 2021, just miles from their former home.
Key Details Emerge
Alex, who was born when Michele was 31, was a vibrant child with a love for soccer, Star Wars, and reading. However, his middle school years in Albany were marred by severe bullying, prompting the family’s move.
“We took the proper steps: calling the kids’ parents, taking the school to task to put a stop to it, and going back again and again,” Michele recalls. Despite these efforts, the bullying persisted, leading to their decision to relocate.
Life After the Move
After settling in Massachusetts, Alex thrived, completing high school and enlisting in the Army. He served two tours in Afghanistan, earning decorations but also sustaining injuries and developing lung disease from exposure to burn pits.
His military service left him with significant health challenges, eventually leading to a medical retirement. Despite these struggles, Alex remained resilient, returning home to live with his family.
Alex was decorated for his service but returned home damaged, a different person, and inadequately prepared for civilian life.
Tragic Return to New York
In a cruel twist of fate, Alex returned to New York shortly before his death, visiting friends near their old neighborhood. It was during this visit that he was killed in a mass shooting outside an Albany bar.
“I will never forget the 2 a.m. call from the Albany Police that took part of me, too,” Michele said, reflecting on the devastating irony of losing her son in the state she had tried to protect him from.
Background Context
The decision to move was driven by the persistent bullying Alex faced. Michele, a journalist in Albany, juggled her career with raising two children, ultimately prioritizing her son’s safety and well-being.
The family’s move to Massachusetts offered a fresh start, allowing them to build new friendships and careers, while also spending valuable time with Michele’s ailing mother.
What Comes Next
As Michele reflects on the events that led to her son’s death, she grapples with the decisions she made. Despite the tragic outcome, she remains grateful for the additional 14 years she had with Alex.
“Gaining more time with this amazing human in our lives, in either place, was a precious gift I could never regret,” she said.
By moving from the threat, we had another 14 years together as a family, never knowing that our son would leave as he did.
The untimely loss of Alex serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and unpredictabilities of life, leaving Michele and her family to navigate a future shaped by both cherished memories and profound loss.
