Nicolas "Nicky" Toler

With broken hearts, we announce the tragic passing of Nicolas “Nicky” Toler of Brightwood, Oregon.

Nicky was born on August 10, 2006, in Bradenton, Florida, to Kelly and Kathy (Briles) Toler. His life was taken far too soon at just 19 years old following a police shooting in Rhododendron, Oregon, on April 12, 2026.

Nicky graduated from Sandy Union High School in 2024 and was proud to be building a future for himself through hard work and determination.

He was a beloved son, brother, grandson, and loyal friend — a young man full of life, energy, and dreams for the future. He brought laughter, adventure, and a strong spirit everywhere he went, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew and loved him. Nicky especially loved spending time with his friends, making memories, and enjoying every moment life had to offer.

Nicky found joy in the outdoors and loved country and rock music. He enjoyed fishing, riding dirt bikes, and snowboarding on Mt. Hood. He worked hard and took great pride in his job at Boeing, where he was earning the respect of those around him through his dedication and work ethic.

The circumstances surrounding Nicky’s death have left his family and friends devastated, grieving not only the loss of his life but also the many years, milestones, and memories that will never come to be. At only 19 years old, he had so much life ahead of him — dreams still unfolding, goals being reached, and a future still waiting to be written.

As family and friends mourn this unimaginable loss, they ask for prayers, compassion, and continued support during this difficult time.

Nicky will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and never forgotten.

POEM:

NINETEEN

Nineteen is not a lifetime,

It’s a beginning –

A door just opening,

A road just finding its name.

Nineteen is laughter unfinished,

Dreams still stretching their wings,

Plans spoken out loud

As if tomorrow was promised.

We were supposed to watch you grow –

See where your steps would lead,

Who you would become,

What love you would give this world.

But now we stand here

Holding memories instead of moments,

Holding your name

Like something sacred and fragile.

You were more than how you left us,

You were the smile that lit a room,

The voice we still hear in quiet places,

The love that does not end.

They may say your life was short –

But they didn’t measure your impact,

The way you mattered,

The space you filled in our hearts.

We will carry you forward –

In stories, in laughter, in tears,

In every sunrise that feels a little heavier

And every night we whisper your name.

Nineteen is not enough time.

But it was enough time for us to love you

And that love

Will never be taken away.