What Happened To Nicholas Day?

Suspected Homicide Stuns Community

People in Mount Horeb and Blue Mounds experienced shock, anger, fear and perhaps most of all, confusion last week when the body of 26-year-old Nicholas Day was found on the side of County Highway JG.

Authorities originally said he was likely the victim of a hit-and-run. But one day later, the Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office released a report that painted a very different picture. It left friends, family and neighbors asking what happened to the young man who grew up on a farm, served in the military, loved to work on engines, and had a three-year-old daughter.

The report said Day appeared to be the victim of “homicidal violence.”

“Just to think that somebody wanted to kill him is unbelievable to me,” said Trevor Hook, who was Day’s friend since childhood. “Maybe they had the wrong person or something, because I just can’t imagine it. He never made anyone mad.” 

Hook went on to say the lack of clear information about the circumstances of Day’s death made dealing with the loss “very, very hard.”

“I just want to know what happened,” he said.

Damon Michalski had been Day’s friend since the fifth grade. Even after Day left to serve in the Navy, they remained close. “There was just no disconnect,” said Michalski, who said his friend’s appetite for life – for jet skiing, for laughing and joking around, for running – was insatiable.

For the first few days after Day’s death, Michalski said he felt as if he were always on the cusp of awakening from a dream. “We kept waiting for him to walk through the door, sit down and say ‘Sup, bro,’” he said.

Then, slowly, the reality of the loss began to sink in. In Day’s family and friends, Michalski said he found brief but real respite from the sorrow, mystery and shock.

“When we talked, it wasn’t about the bad,” he said. “It wasn’t about what happened to him. It was about the good. It was remembering him yelling, so loud, on jet skis. It was things like that.”

HIT-AND-RUN?

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) on Wednesday, Jan. 15 said it was investigating a vehicle versus pedestrian crash resulting in the death of an unidentified Blue Mounds man. “The preliminary investigation indicated the victim was running southbound towards Mt. Horeb on County Highway JG just south of Bergum Road in the Town of Blue Mounds when he was struck by an unknown vehicle,” said a press release sent out by Elise Schaffer, the DCSO public information officer. “Based on witnesses who reported seeing the victim running in the area, it is believed the incident occurred sometime between 12:45 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15.”

His body was discovered in the 3100 block of Highway JG.

But preliminary autopsy results by the Dane County Medical Examiner the following day showed the victim, at that point identified as Day, had died from “homicidal violence” and not in an accident.

County investigators sought the public’s assistance, going door-to-door in Mount Horeb and Blue Mounds, scouring the communities for leads and checking for any camera footage that might tell them exactly when and where he was running prior to his death.

But for nearly a week after Day’s death, the sheriff’s office did not release any further details about the case. One person said the situation left some in the community feeling “spooked.”

“I understand people have a lot of questions, and we will release more information when we can so our investigation isn’t compromised,” said Sgt. Dennis Sieren when asked for further comment on the case Monday. 

FRIENDS REMEMBER DAY

Without yet understanding the circumstances surrounding his death, friends and family attempted to come to terms with Day’s life and legacy. Many thought of his daughter, who Hook described as “just a cute little thing, always so funny.”

“[Day] was just a kid at heart and an amazing dad,” he continued. “When he had his daughter Chloe around he would do everything for her.”

Hook and Day were” “track buddies” who reconnected after Day returned to the area following his time in the Navy.

Day loved to run since childhood, with his family shared memories of him racing his sister to the barn on the family’s Hollandale farm in his youth. His love of running continued throughout his short life.

“This is just an absolutely tragic situation,” said Brian McIntyre, who coached Day when he was a student athlete in Mount Horeb. “It is still very confusing as well, with all the unanswered questions.”

“Nick was a very kind and gentle person,” McIntyre continued. “He had a work ethic that was to be admired. He was a fierce competitor, but wanted everybody to perform their best.  He was a gifted runner ... that didn’t rely on his ability.  He was the first to praise somebody for a nice effort.  His smile was infectious.  He was a great listener and always eager to learn.  Nick was friendly and found the good in everybody.”

“He was a part of the Mt. Horeb Cross Country/Track & Field family and losing him hurts really bad,” McIntyre said. “We are keeping his loved ones in our thoughts during this incredibly challenging time.”

Michalski and Hook said they are dreading Day’s funeral, but they also know it will be a vital part of the healing process, and an important reminder of the lives Day touched.

"That place is gonna be packed,” said Hook.

But as they remember their friend, unanswered questions about his fate remain.

Michalski said when Day returned from military service a year-and-a-half ago, he was more “closed off” and more reserved.

“He struggled with change,” he remembered. “And there had been so many changes in Mount Horeb.”

But as Day reconnected with friends, he again became his gregarious self. Soon, he was laughing and joking with old friends from Mount Horeb, “talking to strangers and getting along with everyone.”

“There wasn’t anyone who didn’t like him,” Michalski said.

“People asked me if he was living a double life,” he continued. “He couldn’t have. He worked, and when he wasn’t working he ran, and when he wasn’t running he was with his kid.”

Don Hartman, VFW Post 9511 commander, said all local veterans “will grieve and honor him for his service to our country.”

THE HUNT CONTINUES

Sheriff’s Office investigators are still interested in speaking with people who knew Nicholas Day or may have information concerning any details related to his personal or professional life. 

“We just want to hear from anyone who knew Nick and can give us a glimpse into his life,” said Schaffer.

Anyone with information who has not already spoken to investigators is asked to call the Dane County Communications Center at 608-255-2345 or the Dane County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 608-284-6900.   All callers who wish to remain anonymous can do so by leaving a message on the tip line. 

 

Should this article be featured?: 
Yes

Mount Horeb Mail

114 East Main Street
Mount Horeb, WI
http://mounthorebmail.com/

Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Comment Here