The very definition of a hero.
A 22-year-old airman serving the U.S. Air Force in Texas was killed when the truck he was driving hydroplaned and struck a tree.
Second Lt. Nicholas Taylor, a recent graduate from the University of Cincinnati, was part of a team evacuating people ahead of Hurricane Harvey’s arrival.
He died trying to save others.
Taylor was serving as a security forces officer with the 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron at Hurlburt Field.
Via WKRC:
Before Hurricane Harvey came ashore, a serviceman from Cincinnati lost his life trying to get people to safety.
Nicholas Taylor was killed when his truck hydroplaned and hit a tree.
He was part of a team evacuating people in San Antonio ahead of the storm.
The La Salle alum graduated from the University of Cincinnati just a few months ago.
Those close to him say he was on a fast track in the Air Force for rank advancement and heading towards special forces.
Those who knew Taylor had nothing but fine words to say about the man who died a hero to many in Texas, and back in his home town.
Nicholas Taylor. You were the best person I knew. You were the most Godly man I knew. You showed… https://t.co/dHXGFNTxXk
— claire galloway (@claireegalloway) August 27, 2017
“Nick was a fine student and he was a better man,” Ryan Denney, a teacher of Taylor’s said. “I’ll miss him dearly and I can only hope and pray. I don’t know God’s plan but I can just hope that he knows what he is doing and it happened for a reason.”
A statement from his school reads, “Nick had a skip in his step and an infectious smile that lit up the hallways of La Salle High School.”
Funeral Arrangements for Nicholas Taylor ’13: Visitation-FRI 5pm-8pm at Crossroads (Clifton). Funeral-SAT at 11am at Crossroads Clifton. pic.twitter.com/JqjieL9XEz
— Barrett Cohen (@Barrett_Cohen) August 29, 2017
Col. Steven Breeze, vice commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing, said the entire team was affected by “such a terrible loss.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Lieutenant Taylor’s friends and family during this difficult time, and we are here to provide any comfort and assistance we are able,” he said.
In peace, Hero Nicholas Taylor. Please say hello to the Lord for me. All soldiers, police, firefighters, volunteers, etc. who die saving us.
— Lawrence(Larry)Lilly (@lwl92258) August 30, 2017
Please join us in saying a prayer for Nicholas Taylor who died in the service of his country, aiding those in the path of a devastating natural disaster.
A hero for all to admire.
Like and share this story of a true American hero!