A heartbreaking story has emerged from Detroit, Michigan, where a young boy died suddenly in his home on the last day of 2023. Mahki Jackson, 16, was a healthy and happy teenager who had no prior health issues, according to his mother, Matika Jackson.
He had just fixed himself something to eat and was about to lie down for a nap when he collapsed on the floor. His mother found him unresponsive and called 911, but it was too late to save him.
What Happened to Mahki Jackson?
Mahki Jackson was a junior at Cass Technical High School, where he was a popular and talented student. He loved music, sports, and video games, and had a bright future ahead of him. He had recently celebrated his 16th birthday on December 18, and was looking forward to the new year.
On December 31, 2023, Mahki was at home with his mother Matika Jackson and his younger brother, Malik, 14. He had complained of a headache earlier that day, but his mother thought it was nothing serious. She gave him some painkillers and told him to rest. He went to the kitchen to make himself a sandwich, and then headed to the living room to watch TV. His mother was in another room, doing some laundry.
A few minutes later, she heard a loud thud from the living room. She rushed to see what had happened, and found Mahki lying on the floor, motionless. She screamed for help and tried to perform CPR on him, while Malik called 911. The paramedics arrived within minutes, but they could not revive him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
What Caused Mahki Jackson’s Death?
The cause of Mahki Jackson’s death is still unknown, as the autopsy results are pending. His mother said he had no known medical conditions, allergies, or drug use. He had not been sick or injured recently, and had not shown any signs of distress or depression. He had been a healthy and active boy, who played basketball and football with his friends.
His mother Matika Jackson suspects that he may have had an undiagnosed heart condition, such as cardiomyopathy or arrhythmia, that could have caused his sudden cardiac arrest. She said he had a family history of heart problems, as his father had died of a heart attack at age 38, when Mahki was only 4 years old. She also said that Mahki had been exposed to lead in the water when he was younger, as they lived in Flint, Michigan, during the water crisis. She wonders if that could have affected his health in any way.
She hopes that the autopsy will provide some answers and closure, as she struggles to cope with the loss of her son. She said she is devastated and heartbroken, and that Mahki was her “everything”.
How is Matika Jackson’s Son Being Remembered?
His death has shocked and saddened his family, friends, and community. He was a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend, who touched many lives with his kindness, humor, and talent. He was a star student at Cass Tech, where he excelled in academics, music, and sports. He played the saxophone in the school band, and was a member of the chess club, the debate team, and the National Honor Society. He was also a gifted athlete, who played on the varsity basketball and football teams. He had dreams of going to college and becoming a lawyer or a journalist.
His family and friends have paid tribute to him on social media, sharing photos, videos, and memories of him. They have also organized a candlelight vigil and a balloon release in his honor, which will take place on January 6, 2024, at 6 p.m., at the Cass Tech football field. They have also set up a GoFundMe page to help with the funeral expenses and to create a scholarship fund in his name. The page has raised over $20,000 so far, and has received hundreds of messages of support and condolences.
Mahki Jackson’s mom Matika Jackson said she is grateful for the outpouring of love and sympathy, and that she hopes her son’s legacy will live on. She said he was a beautiful soul, who had a positive impact on everyone he met. She said he was her “angel”, and that she will always love him and miss him.
