On Friday, December 18, 2020, Nicolas Emmett Storey, beloved son and brother, passed away at the age of 19 from an accidental drug overdose.
Nic was born on January 8, 2001, in Los Alamos, NM to Brad and Amy (Rose) Storey. Nic attended Barranca Mesa Elementary School and Los Alamos Middle School. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 2019.
In grade school, Nic enjoyed dancing, playing the cello, cub scouts, swim team, participating in science fairs, sledding, and learning to ski. Many of his friends will remember the video of his dub-step dance at the Barranca Talent Show. In middle school, Nic found his passion for track and field, becoming co-captain of his team. He loved to ski, eventually becoming a ski instructor at Pajarito. He taught everyone from little kids to a few hungover Texas women who appreciated Nic’s endless patience with them.
Nic loved the outdoors. He attended a Quaker camp in Pennsylvania for a few summers, hiking the Appalachian Trail, building rafts, and learning about the local plant and animal life. The camp experience enriched Nic’s life, and taught him to be more thoughtful toward others. Nic also loved visiting his paternal grandparents and other relatives in Pennsylvania, where he learned how to drive a tractor and his grandmother taught him organic gardening. He also frequently visited his maternal grandparents and relatives in Oregon, where he enjoyed salmon fishing, walking on the beach, and playing card games.
Nic was on the varsity track and field team in high school, running the 100 meter and the 4 x 100 and 4 x 200 relays. A member of the gifted and talented program, Nic enjoyed French and AP English. He served as a page in the New Mexico State Legislature during Representative Stephanie Garcia Richard’s first term in office. Like many adolescents, Nic began to struggle in high school. His parents are grateful for the support of his teachers and counselors, who tried their best to help Nicolas.
Nic felt connected to the ocean and once considered becoming a marine biologist. During their travels together, aquariums were a frequent stop for Nic and his family. On a trip to Hawaii, he discovered his love for body surfing.
A lover of animals, it was impossible for Nic to pass a dog without stopping for a cuddle. A natural joker, Nic was constantly sharing goofy animal videos with his family. His laugh was infectious. He also enjoyed talking about cars with his friends, and he dreamed of the day he would own one of the “really cool” ones. Nic was a risk-taker who, like many teenagers, thought he was immortal.
After high school, Nic attended college at Montana State University, but the school turned out not to be a good fit for him. At the time of his passing, Nic was enrolled in a machinist program at Santa Fe Community College, and seemed to be enjoying it. He was looking forward to getting the COVID-19 vaccine, and being able to attend his brother’s wedding next fall.
The Storey family appreciates the many kindnesses extended by those who have known Nic throughout his lifetime. At this difficult time, Nic’s family would like to encourage parents and young adults to reach out if you see someone struggling.
Nic is survived by his parents, his brother Jackson Baker, his grandparents, many friends, and a loving and supportive extended family. There will be an outdoor memorial for Nicolas next spring in Los Alamos; details will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to honor Nicolas by encouraging donations in any amount to the New Mexico Wildlife Center in Espanola.