Holly MatkinSpotsylvania County, VA – Virginia State Police (VSP) Sergeant Nicholas “Nick” Koslicki died on April 30 while canoeing with friends, according to police.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR) said the 41-year-old off-duty sergeant was out on Hunting Run Reservoir with two other people when their canoe capsized, The Free Lance-Star reported.
“Reportedly, the missing person had been canoeing on the reservoir with two other parties when the vessel capsized,” VDWR spokesperson Paige Pearson, told WTVR in an email. “Two of the occupants of the canoe were able to make it to shore, while the third did not.”
Sgt. Koslicki’s body was recovered on Sunday after a lengthy search operation, according to The Free Lance-Star.
“He was a marvelous man,” his mother, Gail Beyer, told WTVR. “My heart is broken.”
Sgt. Koslicki served in the U.S. Marines prior to joining the VSP in 2006.
“He joined this police force because he liked being in uniform,” his younger brother, Kent Morehouse, told WTVR. “He said it brought needed discipline to his life.”
Sgt. Koslicki spent much of his career patrolling the Culpeper and Richmond Divisions, WTVR reported.
He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in October of 2021 and was most recently assigned to the training academy.
“Keep the Koslicki family and the members of the Training and Culpeper Divisions in your thoughts and prayers,” VSP Colonel Gary Settle said in an email to his troops, according to WTVR.
In addition to his mother and brother, Sgt. Koslicki is also survived by his wife, Ashley, his newborn daughter, Scarlett, and his “son-by-choice,” Thomas, according to his obituary.
He also leaves behind his father, siblings, stepbrothers, stepsisters, uncles, aunts, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Sgt. Koslicki will be laid to rest on May 9.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Virginia State Police (VSP) Sergeant Nicholas “Nick” Koslicki, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
