Family, friends and acquaintances came together Sunday night to mourn the death, and celebrate the life, of Nicholas Wolfe.
The IU sophomore, 20, died Thursday, Sept. 3, from “injuries sustained in an accident,” his sister, Samantha Wolfe, said in an email.
Hoping to one day become a physician for the Indianapolis Colts, Nicholas was a member of the medical fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon, whose members came together to organize the vigil.
“It was so communal,” said Matt Razavian, IU junior and vice president of recruitment for Phi Delta Epsilon. “It was something we felt like we had to do, because Phi Delta Epsilon is like a family. And when you lose a brother, it’s hard.”
Nicholas’ visitation took place Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Flanner and Buchanan-Carmel, while his service took place Wednesday, Sept. 9, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Carmel, Indiana. Razavian said not everybody who wanted to go to the visitation or service was able to make it in the middle of the week.
“We just wanted to do something where anybody who knew him remotely would have a chance to come and mourn his loss and celebrate the time that we had with him,” Razavian said. “He touched so many lives. This is a way for us to remember him and a way for us to make sure his memory is never forgotten.”
The group, led by his family, walked from the Sample Gates to Showalter Fountain, cupping candles in their hands. Once at Showalter Fountain, attendees had the opportunity to say a few words about or share a few memories of Nicholas. Razavian was the first to speak.
“Nick was exceptional,” he said. “I knew that from the first time I saw him.”
Razavian added that Nicholas was equal parts confident and professional, and humble and personable.
“Every time I talked to him about anything, I was so impressed by how knowledgeable he was,” he said. “He perfectly encapsulated everything Phi Delta Epsilon stood for. And I think, in one way or another, everybody who knew him wanted to emulate him somehow. I know I did ... So I think I speak for all of us at Phi Delta Epsilon when I say he will never be forgotten, and he will always be a part of Phi Delta Epsilon here at IU.”
Katherine Warnock said she has known Nicholas since her junior year of high school.
“I know everybody knows how strong and caring of a person he is.” Warnock said. “I refuse to say, ‘was,’ because I know that he’s still here. And I know that he’s taking care of all of us and watching over all of us now.”
Warnock echoed Razavian, saying that Nicholas was equal parts serious, smart, funny and silly.
“I know he’s still here, because I see him in the skies tonight, and I saw him in the sunset last night,” she said. “I will never forget him and I will carry a piece of him in my heart forever.”
Dennis Wolfe, Nicholas’ father and the last one to speak, thanked the onlookers for their support.
“IU meant so much to him since he was a baby,” Dennis said. “And your support means so much to us.”
