Nick Southey of Peoria, Illinois, passed away suddenly on Saturday night at just 32 years old, leaving his family and friends devastated and in shock. Words feel too small to carry the weight of this heartbreak, but we want to honor the beautiful life Nick lived and the incredible person he was.
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Nick was more than a brother, son, partner, and friend—he was the center of our lives, the one who brought energy, humor, and comfort into every room he entered. He was the one I looked up to when life felt overwhelming, my constant since birth, and my best friend through every chapter.
It’s impossible to imagine a world without his presence—without his goofy voices, his perfectly timed one-liners, and his unshakable loyalty to the people he loved.
Nick was a proud resident of Washington, Illinois, and a Certified CDL Driver Trainer at Kuna Foodservice, where he had just celebrated four years of hard work and dedication.
He was deeply committed to his career, taking pride in the responsibility and leadership he brought to his role. Whether helping a trainee succeed or ensuring timely deliveries, Nick carried himself with integrity and diligence.
He was also an incredible father to his two young children. His love for them radiated in everything he did. Being a dad was at the core of who Nick was—it shaped his decisions, his values, and his sense of purpose.
His kids, Bryn and Ky, were his whole world. He was never too busy for them. Whether it was playing, reading bedtime stories, or simply being present, Nick was a devoted and caring father who built his life around them.
To our parents, David and Ande Southey, Nick was a loving, attentive son—someone who never let too much time pass without checking in, sharing photos of the kids, or cracking a joke just to lift everyone’s mood. His presence in our family was grounding, reassuring, and joyful.
He had this rare gift of making everyone feel like they mattered, no matter what was going on in his own life. Nick was also a devoted partner to Megan Russell. The love they shared was quiet but strong, built on laughter, respect, and shared dreams.
They supported one another through life’s highs and lows, and Nick was all in when it came to being present and building a life with Megan. Their bond was filled with moments that reflected Nick’s true character—his kindness, his patience, his loyalty.
Anyone who knew Nick also knew his unwavering love for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a true fan through and through, and every season brought excitement, banter, and hope for another Super Bowl run. His passion for sports extended beyond football, though—he genuinely loved the community and connection that came with being a fan.
But what so many of us will miss most is the way Nick made us feel. He could walk into a room and, with just a silly voice or random sound effect, have everyone in tears laughing. He never needed a spotlight—his charm and warmth were effortless.
He didn’t pretend to be perfect. He owned his mistakes, learned from them, and always spoke with intention. His words carried meaning, and when he said he had your back, you knew it was true.
There’s a quote I saw recently that has been echoing in my heart: “The loss of a brother or sister is not small, unimportant, or invisible. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I call sibling loss ‘the loss of a lifetime’ because who do we expect to have relationships with that stretch our entire lives?”
That’s what I keep thinking about. Nick and I had so many milestones left to hit—vacations to take, weddings to attend, another Eagles Super Bowl to cheer for together. I can’t fathom doing any of it without him.
Our family was tightly knit. Our group chat, affectionately called “fam bam,” was a constant stream of life—updates, photos of the kids, silly memes, and encouragement on hard days.
It was always the four of us—Mom, Dad, Nick, and me—and now, of course, the littles, Bryn and Ky. That thread of connection is frayed now, and it hurts more than words can express.
We are grateful beyond measure for the outpouring of love and support we’ve received. Thank you to everyone who has messaged, dropped in, delivered food, and offered comfort in these early, heavy days. We don’t yet have all the answers, and details for services will be shared when they are available.
For now, we hold onto Nick’s memory—his laughter, his love, his unwavering presence. He was one of a kind, and his absence leaves a void that will never be filled. We miss you so much already, Nick. You will always be with us.