In memoriam: Nicolas 'Nico' Braun, former Virginia Tech student
Nicolas “Nico” Braun, a former Virginia Tech student, passed away Nov. 12 following a vehicle crash in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was 21.
Braun, who studied criminology, was passionate about sports, particularly football. He played football for Brookline High School in Massachusetts and for Bridgton Academy in Maine before coming to Virginia Tech in fall 2024. He was enrolled through spring 2025. While on campus, he was an intern with the football equipment staff.
Braun was captain of his high school football team, and he was a motivational leader for the student athletes, according to his obituary. He loved connecting with people, and he was energetic and competitive with a strong drive to succeed.
Braun is survived by his parents, Jonathan and Diana; his sister Isabel; his grandparents, Miriam Ayala and Tomas Luque and Linda and Peter Braun; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 29 at First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington, Massachusetts.
Virginia Tech realizes that the death of a friend, teammate, or student is difficult, and we are here to offer our support.
Members of the university community who seek support or assistance are encouraged to contact these resources:
- TimelyCare
- Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557
- Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787. Referral to a campus cleric may be made through this office.
- Employee Assistance Program
- Anthem at 855-223-9277
- Aetna at 888-238-6232
- Kaiser Permanente at 866-517-7042
- Sentara Health Plans Vantage HMO at 800-899-8174
- Hokie Wellness at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
- Housing Services at 540-231-6205
- Residential Well-being at 540-231-1139
- Civil Rights Compliance at 540-231-2010
- Women's Center at Virginia Tech at 540-231-7806
- University Ombuds Office at 540-231-3125
- Graduate Office of the Ombudsperson at 540-231-9573
