Nicholas Castellanos, an 18-year-old Chico State student, was killed Jan. 16. Friends and family said he will be remembered as a kindhearted man with an enthusiastic zest for life.
Chico police officers responded to a call at approximately 9:40 p.m. at the intersection of West Fifth and Walnut streets. Castellanos was found lying in the intersection unresponsive. First responders transported him to Enloe Medical Center where he later died.
Castellanos was born Aug. 2, 1996. in Santa Monica. He graduated from Coronado High School, a beach city in San Diego County, according to a campus-wide statement. Castellanos came to Chico State in 2014 to study kinesiology. He was an avid athlete, splitting his time between lacrosse, surfing and snowboarding.
“All who were blessed to know Nicholas will miss his infectious smile,” a statement from his family read. “His wonderful sense of humor, his kind heart, his drive and determination to succeed in every endeavor and his enthusiasm and zest for life.”
Castellanos lived in Lassen Hall during his time at the university. Director of University Housing and Food Service David Stephen said he was well known within the tight-knit community and will be missed.
“(He was) a bright light. (He was) fun, happy and engaged,” Stephen said in a statement. “He had many friends among his floormates in Lassen Hall and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nick’s parents and family as well as those who are Nick’s friends at Chico State.”
Castellanos is survived by his parents Leslie Swanson Castellanos and Allan Castellanos as well as a number of relatives. Nicholas also leaves behind his beloved dogs, Jasmine and Indy.
A memorial was held Saturday at Coronado High School stadium. His family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Nicholas’ name to Coronado Schools Foundation, Chico State Men’s Club Lacrosse Team, Coronado Community Animal Rescue and Education Society, or any charitable organization.
David McVicker can be reached at [email protected] or @DavidPMcVicker on Twitter.
