Fraternity of WCU student killed in crash raise $90,000 for family

One week after West Chester University student Garrett Nicholas was struck and killed by a car while crossing the street, friends and family came together to raise money and honor his legacy.

The fundraiser put on by Garrett’s fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, was held at Stove & Tap in West Chester, where many members of the fraternity work.

The proceeds will go toward supporting Garrett’s family, who were also in attendance on Sunday.

“I love my son, I miss him terribly ,” said Gary Nicholas, Garrett’s dad. “He was amazing. He was a great kid and always willing to help others, and always looking out for others. He was happy and he was vibrant.”

So far, the fraternity has raised $90,000 for Garrett’s family.

“To us, it’s more than just a brotherhood, it’s family right,” said Dane Hagen, a fraternity brother and friend of Garrett’s. “So for Garret to be one of our brothers, this is his family by our side. So, to us, it means so much just to be out here be by each other’s side.”

Adler Jakobzimmers-Naef, another friend and fraternity brother, reflected on his one of a kind friend as well, saying, “You can meet him one time and you’ll remember him for the rest of your life.”

A community is coming together after a 21-year-old student was struck and killed by a car over the weekend. NBC10’s Johnny Archer has the story. 

Ryan Gorman agreed with his fraternity brother, saying Garrett brought joy and happiness to the world.

“If you want to be like Garrett, you should live your life spreading as much joy, happiness, love to the world,” he said.

For Garrett’s father, although the loss of his son is immeasurable, he does get strength from the support he has received, as well as knowing that Garrett’s generosity did not end with his life.

“I found out that his organ donation helped three adults, and I believe six children,” Gary said, with tears in his eyes.