Update (Jan. 31): A GoFundMe online fundraiser has been created for the Nichols family. As of Monday afternoon, more than $21,000 of the $30,000 goal has been raised.
Original (Jan. 26): Brian Nichols, a 2021 Northwest High School graduate and football player, has died, according to the school community.
“I’m at a loss for words. Wish you knew how much we’re going to miss you Brian,” Northwest teacher and former football coach Mike Neubeiser wrote on Twitter.
“The Jag Family are saddened and devastated to learn of the passing of Brian Nichols, he was a gifted player, team leader, and an even better young man,” wrote current Head Football Coach Travis Hawkins. “The thoughts and prayers of the our football team are with his family and countless friends.”
The Northwest community is also suffering the loss of another student as police are investigating the homicide of 17-year-old Jailyn Lawrence Jones.
“Our entire @Northwest_Jags nation is saddened by the news of losing 2 of our own,” Principal Scott Smith said on Twitter. “There aren’t enough words to describe the level of impact this has on our students, staff and community. In the days to come, we will all remain #JagStrong as we support one another.”
“My heart is broken after learning about the loss of Jailyn and Brian,” wrote Assistant Principal Danielle Abdelsalam. “As I told many students today, it’s okay to not know how to handle this, you shouldn’t have to. Know we are all here to support you and you are not alone. So much love to the entire NW community.”
I’m at a loss for words. Wish you knew how much we’re going to miss you Brian. 💔 pic.twitter.com/7ze1cVEb89
— Mike Neubeiser (@CoachNeub) January 26, 2022
Jag Nation is extremely devastated to learn of the passing of Brian Nichols a 2021 grad. He could put a smile on your face during the worst of days. He always put others happiness first and truly cared for all. He truly had a positive impact on all and will be missed dearly.❤️ pic.twitter.com/zhUDTOVFVD
— JAG NATION (@Northwest_Jags) January 25, 2022
The Jag Family are saddened and devastated to learn of the passing of Brian Nichols , he was a gifted player, team leader, and an even better young man. The thoughts and prayers of the our football team are with his family and countless friends. 🐆🖤
— Travis Hawkins (@1HawkIsland) January 25, 2022
Our entire @Northwest_Jags nation is saddened by the news of losing 2 of our own. There aren’t enough words to describe the level of impact this has on our students, staff and community. In the days to come, we will all remain #JagStrong as we support one another. 🤍 🐆 🖤 👇 https://t.co/AQleewfee9
— Scott E Smith (@NorthwestJags) January 26, 2022
My heart is broken after learning about the loss of Jailyn and Brian. As I told many students today, it’s okay to not know how to handle this, you shouldn’t have to. Know we are all here to support you and you are not alone. So much love to the entire NW community. ❤️🐾❤️ pic.twitter.com/1JHmTnLzdf
— Danielle Abdelsalam (@NWJagsAP) January 26, 2022
