Nicholas Alan Oostdyk, a 41-year-old man from Newton Falls, Ohio, tragically passed away on February 13, 2022. He was born in Bermuda on February 6, 1981, and was a 1999 graduate of Southeast High School. Nicholas proudly served in the United States Air Force for 10 years, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was an avid hunter and gamer, and was known for his willingness to help others.
On the day of his death, Nicholas was attending a Super Bowl party at the home of his relative, Alfred Lee Johnson, in Uniontown, Ohio. During the party, an argument erupted between Nicholas and Johnson, which led to Johnson shooting Nicholas multiple times in the face and stomach with a .45-caliber pistol. Nicholas was immediately taken to Summa Health System Akron Campus, but was pronounced dead 40 minutes later.
Following the incident, Johnson was arrested at the scene and charged with murder. A Stark County jury later convicted Johnson of both the murder and firearm charges. Johnson was sentenced to 15 years to life for the murder, with an additional three-year sentence on a firearm specification. The court found that Johnson shot Nicholas after Nicholas "said the wrong things" during their argument.
The tragic death of Nicholas Alan Oostdyk has left a deep impact on his family and friends, who remember him fondly for his service, kindness, and love for life. His passing has also led to significant legal proceedings, with Johnson now serving a lengthy prison sentence for the crime.
