The community is rallying to support an Olney father and teacher identified as Nick, who was seriously injured while trying to help victims of a crash last week. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been started to support his family as he recovers from his injuries.
Four people were hospitalized, including three with traumatic injuries, following a multi-vehicle crash around 8:50pm Thursday on the 16100 block of Georgia Avenue near the ICC in Olney. Officials said the incident initially began as a two-vehicle collision before a third vehicle struck both disabled cars. Among those injured was Nick, an Olney resident who had stopped to help the victims.
According to a GoFundMe created by his sister Priscilla, Nick was driving home on Georgia Avenue when he came upon the crash at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and MD 200. Seeing that no emergency responders had yet arrived, he stopped his vehicle and ran over to assist.
Nick, who is trained in first aid, began helping the victims and called 911 to report the crash while standing safely on the sidewalk. However, moments later another driver slammed into one of the disabled vehicles, sending it off the road and into him.
“Just then and without warning, another driver crashed into one of the disabled vehicles. The second crash flew off the road and into Nick’s head while he dialed 911,” the fundraiser states. Nick survived the impact and was transported to the hospital, where he spent the night. He has since returned home and is recovering, though his injuries are still being evaluated.
The crash left him with significant injuries to his face and head, including stitches across half of his face. While he is in good spirits, his family says he will be unable to return to work for the foreseeable future.
Nick is a special education teacher in Prince George’s County and has spent two decades working with students, many with special needs. In addition to his full-time teaching job, he also works as a driving instructor in Rockville to help support his family.
He and his wife live in Olney with their four children, ages 3, 5, 7, and 10. Nick also plays an active role in the local community as a member of St. Peter’s Parish in Olney, where he regularly attends services and has taught School of Religion classes for years.
Family members say the fundraiser was created to help cover expenses and support the family while Nick recovers and is unable to work.
“Nick’s family is in this situation because Nick went out of his way to help others in need,” the GoFundMe reads. “Please help us show Nick that good deeds do not go unnoticed, by helping his family in this difficult time.” The fundraiser has quickly begun gaining attention as community members come together to support a man many describe as someone who has spent his life helping others.
