Yorkville HS Football Alum Nolan Wood, 19, Passed Away, Leaving His Parents, Dana and Martin, Heartbroken

Nolan was a young man who embraced every opportunity, building a life rich in experience, friendship, and quiet accomplishment.

December 18, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 18, 2026

Nolan Wood, a proud graduate of Yorkville High School, passed away at the age of 19 on December 13, 2026, in Fort Collins.

He was an avid weightlifter, snowboarder, skier, and also loved playing football.

Nolan Wood was a proud 2026 honors graduate of Yorkville High School who found equal joy in academic achievement, outdoor adventure, and hard work.

During high school, he was an active member of the Cross Country team, Foxes Football Team, Track team, and served as the Head Rowdy.

He honed his skills in auto mechanics through the IVVC program, and his passion for learning and innovation led him to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University.

Nolan’s dedication extended to his work. He took pride in operating machinery to create tangible products during the school year at H & E.

Similarly, he was a dependable shop kid at Anchor Mechanical, making deliveries and ensuring the shop ran smoothly.

Also, see: Maine High School Football Player Finn Winning Passes Away In Suspected Suicide!

Yorkville HS Graduate Nolan Wood Remembered for Adventure, Work Ethic, and Kindness

Nolan Xavier Wood, the son of Dana M. Wood and Martin D. Wood, was born on March 17, 2006, in Winfield, Illinois.

His parents raised him in a close-knit family alongside his sister, Loren Nicole Wood.

Sadly, Nolan passed away at the age of 19 in Fort Collins, Colorado.

His life was brief but defined an extraordinary spirit of adventure, a profound work ethic, and a deep love for his family and friends.

He approached every endeavor with passion and determination, whether scaling a mountain peak, earning his black belt in Taekwondo, or simply sharing laughter on a bike ride through his hometown.

He was an avid outdoorsman who found peace in Nature. He climbed Longs Peak, Gray’s Peak, and Mount Bierstadt.

Likewise, he cherished biking adventures with his father and was often found riding with friends or whimsically cruising on his grandfather’s tricycle.

Nolan explored the world with curiosity and collected memories and stories wherever he went. He took immense pride in his work, eagerly sharing stories of his day and the people he met with his family.

His greatest legacy is the warmth and light he brought to others.

He was the beloved grandson of Thomas M. Gaffey and the late Deborah J. Gaffey, Mary Jane Gaffey, Edward O. Wood III, and Mary Anne Wood.

He held a special place in the hearts of his extensive family, including his aunts, uncles, cousins, and especially his younger cousins, for whom he was the fun, cherished older cousin.

Nolan is survived by his heartbroken parents, Martin and Dana; his devoted sister, Loren; his grandfather, Thomas Gaffey; and a vast network of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He will be remembered for the love he gave freely, the adventures he pursued bravely, and the indelible mark of kindness he left on every life.

The Wood family will receive a visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 26, 2026, at Bauman Family Funeral Home, 5600 U.S. Route 34, Oswego, IL.

Similarly, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Parish, 406 S. Walnut St., Yorkville, IL. Interment will be private.

Rest In Peace, Nolan Xavier Wood.

People also viewed: Early Morning Gunfire Leaves 17-Year-Old Woodlawn HS Football Player Unresponsive in South End Apartment

• Check other Articles on
• Nolan Wood
• Yorkville High School

Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.

Related articles

Youth Football Game Turns Violent After Mother...

May 8, 2026

Adairsville Cracker Barrel Witness Calls Police After...

May 7, 2026

Former Berkshire Baseball Coach Steve Smetana Arrested...

May 6, 2026

Madison Academy Team Doctor Dr. Jack Walker...

May 5, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share article

Youth Football Game Turns Violent After Mother Steps Onto Field and Kicks Player

- May 8, 20260 What was supposed to be a normal Saturday of youth football quickly became something no parent, coach, or child should ever have to witness....Read more Athlete

Jordan Haas, A Student-Athlete At Chatham University Passed Away At The Age of 21

- May 7, 20260 Jordan Haas a student athlete at Chatham University, passed away on Monday. He majored in psychology and was a member of the men's volleyball...Read more News

Adairsville Cracker Barrel Witness Calls Police After Man Repeatedly Slaps Toddler in Public

- May 7, 20260 A routine shopping trip at the Adairsville Cracker Barrel turned into a deeply disturbing scene recently when a local woman witnessed what she described...Read more Athlete

Edinburg High School Student-Athlete Sebastian Garcia’s Untimely passing Has Shocked Entire Community

- May 6, 20260 A student-athlete at Edinburg High School, Sebastian Garcia, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Sebastian was a member of the Edinburgh Runnin' Bobcats...Read more News

Former Berkshire Baseball Coach Steve Smetana Arrested for Rape of 12-Year-Old Girl in Parma Heights

- May 6, 20260 A former baseball coach with deep ties to the Geauga County sports community has been arrested and charged with the rape of a child,...Read more