Ali Nicholson

Chad Nicholson smiling as his sister takes his photo.

February 27th would have been Chad Nicholson’s 18th birthday. Instead of celebrating with cake, friends, and plans for his future, our community is remembering a life that was taken way too soon. Chad passed away August 28th, 2024 at just 16 years old. Though his time on earth was short, the impact he had on peoples’ lives was anything but small. 

Everyone who knew Chad remembers him the same way; tiny but mighty. Although he was usually the tiniest, shortest person in the room, he was often the most noticed. He had the biggest heart, the sweetest soul, and the funniest laugh. Chad would do anything for those he loved, he always had a soft spot for females. Everyone who knew Chad knew he was always only a call away, if he actually happened to answer his phone. He was always ready to step behind any and all of his friends. 

Chad was more than just a 16 year old student. He was a son, an older brother, a little brother, and a best friend to many. He had so much potential but did not get the chance to experience life after high school. He was taken away from the chance to graduate, the chance to further his education or get his first job, he never even got the chance to truly fall in love with someone. This is one of the hardest realizations for the people who love him. 

Chad’s life ended tragically after a stolen car incident. Although he had so much potential, Chad often found himself in the wrong crowd, leading to things that could have been avoided. The stolen car led to a high speed chase which ended in the four boys wrecking into the Ruan building. The three others were severely injured and Chad passed immediately. This accident was a huge realization for our community for how quickly choices can go wrong and how important it is to sometimes do the opposite of what the crowd is doing. 

But while the circumstances of his death are heartbreaking, they do not at all define who he was. Chad will forever be remembered for his sweet soul, his loyalty to his friends, the willingness to help anyone in need, and the way he lit up any room he walked into. He was deeply loved, by more people than you could ever imagine and he still is and forever will be.

A birthday memorial was held in honor of him and his 18th birthday – a time for his loved ones to come together and keep his spirit alive, something we all know Chad would absolutely love. People wore red and blue, his favorite colors, wore shirts of him, brought cut outs of him, brought candles, and balloons to release. 

As we remember Chad on what would have been his 18th birthday, we also share his story in hopes of raising awareness. Life is fragile. Choices matter, And every single person in our community carries a future full of possibilities and potential. Though his life was short, Chad Nicholson’s memory will remain forever in all of our hearts. Happy 18th birthday, li’l chad. We love and miss you more than you’ll ever know.