Honoring Nick Laureys: Funeral & Memorial Support
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On July 2nd at 9:34 pm, our family lost Nick Laureys, my 15-year-old nephew, in a tragic hit and run accident in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Nick was coming home from fishing with his friend Zach when an unknown driver struck Nick and left the scene. Nick had been living with me and his two younger brothers, Chris (12) and Sam (4), and his cat Oreo, for the past two years. He loved his siblings deeply and was always looking out for them. I bought a new home so everyone could have their own space, and Nick quickly became the heart of our household. He loved being outdoors, working on his ATV or my truck, helping with chores, and caring for his beloved pets, Oreo the cat and Tara the dog. Nick was always surrounded by friends, whether he was shooting hoops with the neighbor’s donated basketball hoop, gaming with his uncle, or golfing with his friend Jacob. He wore his cross every day and was just learning to drive, hoping to get his license on his upcoming birthday.
Nick’s loss has left a hole in our family and our community. We are raising funds to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, and any extra will go into a trust in Nick’s name. I’m also hoping to create something meaningful in his memory—a reflective shirt for kids or a reflective drawstring backpack, with hope that the Woodstock North students and teachers will help design it, to help keep others safe at night. Nick was a caring, spirited teenager who pushed boundaries but always knew how much he was loved. Our best memories are simple moments together, like playing hide and seek with our ATVs at the farm or talking through tough times.
I’ve been part of this community for nearly 20 years, and your support means more than I can express. Grieving is never easy, and I may not respond right away, but your kindness will not go unnoticed. If you’d like me to reach out after this, please include your contact info. Thank you for helping us honor Nick’s memory and support our family during this difficult time.
Services will be coming in the next two weeks after final planning is completed the week of the 6th.
Nick’s loss has left a hole in our family and our community. We are raising funds to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, and any extra will go into a trust in Nick’s name. I’m also hoping to create something meaningful in his memory—a reflective shirt for kids or a reflective drawstring backpack, with hope that the Woodstock North students and teachers will help design it, to help keep others safe at night. Nick was a caring, spirited teenager who pushed boundaries but always knew how much he was loved. Our best memories are simple moments together, like playing hide and seek with our ATVs at the farm or talking through tough times.
I’ve been part of this community for nearly 20 years, and your support means more than I can express. Grieving is never easy, and I may not respond right away, but your kindness will not go unnoticed. If you’d like me to reach out after this, please include your contact info. Thank you for helping us honor Nick’s memory and support our family during this difficult time.
Services will be coming in the next two weeks after final planning is completed the week of the 6th.
Organizer
Lance Laureys
Organizer
Crystal Lake, IL