GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A swimming relay event was held Sunday in honor of a Gaston County child killed in a domestic violence incident.
Racheal Blakney says her son, Cyrus, would've wanted to be in the pool with friends and family at the 2nd annual Ripple Effect Relay Festival in Gastonia.
"We're here to swim in his honor," Blakney said. "Swimming is something he loved to do."
Cyrus died in 2023 when police say his father killed him, set their home in Stanley on fire, and then killed himself.
Cyrus was 11 years old.
Image of Cyrus BlakneyHis twin sister, Piper, was hurt in the fire too.
"Piper and I live our tragedy every single day," Blakney said. "It's nice that one day a year we can all get together and remember him together with the fellowship of other people."
The Relay Festival is not just about Cyrus either. It's a fundraiser for families in need and a platform for domestic violence awareness.
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"It often happens behind closed doors and people have no idea what's going on," Blakney said.
Rebecca Eckes, Cyrus's aunt, helped organize the event.
"A lot of people don't talk about [domestic violence] and don't bring the awareness to where it needs to go in order to make...a better life for other people and for themselves," Eckes said.
Blakney says her son was one of at least 60 domestic violence deaths in North Carolina in 2023.
The people who loved him say naming the festival "Ripple Effect" is fitting.
"Cyrus's life has had a ripple effect on so many, stemming from his love for Jesus and his love for swim," said Jackie McGinnis, another organizer of the event.
Blakney says Cyrus "lived out Jesus every single day of his life."
"He was so close to his faith and it just means the world," she said. "I think he would love the fact that he would continue to give back even beyond his life."
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