Our family is heartbroken to share that our beloved Nick Salas passed away on Sunday, March 1, after a tragic accident and a long fight in the hospital. On December 28, Nick suffered a serious fall while walking out of the Post with a friend and hit his head, causing a severe traumatic brain injury. In the days that followed, doctors informed our family that Nick had lost brain tissue on the right side of his brain, which would likely cause impairment on the left side of his body. Despite his strength and the care he received, Nick’s injuries were too severe, and we lost him far too soon.

To so many people, Nick was a deeply loved son, brother, father, uncle, godfather, and friend. He had a warm spirit, a generous heart, and a way of making people feel valued and supported. To me personally, Nick was much more than an uncle. He was my godfather and like another father figure in my life. Even during difficult periods when I was estranged from other family members, Nick never stopped showing up for me. Every year he would call on my birthday and Christmas, making sure I knew I was loved. He would often send beautiful cross necklaces and Native American jewelry, and later he began sending gifts for my daughter Sofia and son Milo as well. He used to call me his “angel,” and he always made me feel like he was proud of me. Those words and those memories mean more to me now than ever. Nick even supported Penn State football because he knew how meaningful my time there was when I earned my undergraduate degree. That was the kind of person he was—someone who cared deeply about the people he loved and celebrated their lives and accomplishments.

Nick leaves behind his two sons, who are now facing the unimaginable loss of their father. Our family is raising funds to help support them during this incredibly difficult time. The money raised will go toward helping Nick’s sons with funeral and memorial expenses, medical bills from Nick’s hospitalization, and legal and administrative costs related to his passing. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will help ease the financial burden on his sons and allow our family to focus on honoring Nick’s life and supporting one another through this loss. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with others would mean so much to our family. Nick was a man who gave love, encouragement, and kindness to so many people throughout his life. We are grateful for the support, prayers, and compassion from everyone who is helping us honor his memory.

With gratitude,

Nicole