Ryan Nichols, 25. 

By Ben Crnic From Daily Voice

A 25-year-old Dutchess County man killed in a single-vehicle crash is being remembered as a successful college athlete, loyal friend, and passionate outdoorsman whose life touched countless people across the region. 

Poughquag resident Ryan E. Nichols, 25, was killed in a crash in Union Vale on Friday, Nov. 28, the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office announced on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

The crash happened at around 6:40 p.m., on Clove Road near Mack Road. According to investigators, a 2016 Dodge Ram driven by Nichols was heading south when he lost control and struck a tree. 

Nichols suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The Sheriff’s Office said unsafe speed appears to have been a contributing factor. However, the case remains under investigation.  

Nichols, a lifelong area resident, was born in Poughkeepsie and graduated from Arlington High School in 2018, where he played football and lacrosse, according to his obituary. 

His football career continued at Buffalo State University and Western Connecticut State University. He later became a founding member and technician at Alpha Laundry Repair in Wallkill, working alongside his brother-in-law.

His obituary describes him as someone who “loved life, his family, and was a true friend to many.” He was happiest on the water—fishing, boating, and exploring oceans, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls throughout the Northeast. A devoted patriot, he especially loved boating to New York Harbor to visit the Statue of Liberty. 

Nichols also loved animals, particularly his Rottweilers, and enjoyed horseback riding, snowmobiling, skiing, and side-by-siding. He was a lifelong member of Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church, where he was baptized and confirmed, and had looked forward to joining the Beekman Fire Department. 

He is survived by his parents, retired Dutchess County Deputy Sheriff Russ Nichols and Lynn; his sister, Victoria, and her husband Ryan Widrick; his grandparents; extended family; and many close friends. He was predeceased by his grandfather, former Dutchess County Sheriff Fred Scoralick; his grandmother, Gail Nichols; and his uncle, Scott Nichols.

The news of Nichols' death touched many in the community, including local businesses such as Iron Furnace in Verbank, which wrote, "our community lost a beautiful soul way too soon...Ryan will be forever missed as he touched countless lives. Time to hang your Hat Cowboy RIP." 

Calling hours will be held Thursday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 8 p.m. at McHoul Funeral Home on Route 82 in Hopewell Junction. A celebration of his life will then take place on Friday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m., followed by a reception at the Beekman Firehouse.  

Attendees are encouraged to wear bright colors, cowboy hats, and boots “because that’s what Ryan would want.” Both services will be livestreamed. 

Click here to read Nichols' full obituary.