HOPEWELL JUNCTION – A tight-knit Dutchess County community is reeling after Ryan Nichols, a 32-year-old Poughquag man known for his infectious laugh and unmatched work ethic, was killed in a single-vehicle accident late Saturday night.
New York State Police say the crash occurred just before midnight on Route 376 near the Taconic State Parkway overpass. Nichols was driving home when his pickup truck left the roadway and struck a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles were involved.
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Troopers are still investigating, but speed and wet roads are believed to be contributing factors.
At Alpha Laundry Repair LLC in Fishkill, where Ryan had worked for the last eight years, the shop stayed dark on Monday. Owner Anthony DeSantis posted a gut-wrenching tribute that has since been shared hundreds of times:
“With the heaviest of hearts, the Alpha family and my own have lost our brother, partner, and my right hand Ryan Nichols. Hold your loved ones close, because tomorrow is not promised.”
Coworkers describe Ryan as the guy who could fix any commercial washer in minutes, then stay late to help a rookie tech without ever making them feel small. Customers loved him because he always remembered their names and their kids’ sports schedules.
Off the clock, he was a die-hard Yankees fan, an avid fisherman, and the proud “bonus dad” to his girlfriend’s young daughter, who called him “Ry-Ry.”
A makeshift memorial of flowers, work gloves and a Yankees cap now sits at the base of the tree that took his life. Friends have been stopping by all day to leave notes and share a quiet moment.
McHoul Funeral Home in Hopewell Junction is handling arrangements; services are pending but expected later this week. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the Dutchess County SPCA, where Ryan volunteered every Christmas.
“Ryan lived big, loved hard, and left way too soon,” his sister wrote online. “Watch over us, big guy. We’ve got it from here.”
Rest easy, brother. 🕊️🛠️⚾