Community Mourns Death Of MCCC Student, Notre Dame HS Graduate

A community is expressing heartbreak and grief after an 18-year-old Mercer County Community College student’s body was found across the street from the college on Monday. Nicholas Pratico was last seen on Sept. 20 after he registered for classes for his upcoming freshman semester.

On Monday, Oct. 23, Hamilton Township police announced that his body had been found across the street from the college on Old Trenton Avenue in West Windsor at around 10 a.m. The Middlesex County Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine his cause of death. At the same time, friends and family are struggling with the reality that the aspiring drama student with a bright future is gone too soon.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the painful news that the authorities notified us that they have found Nicholas,” his family posted on the Find Nick Pratico Facebook Page. “While we hoped and prayed for a different outcome, we have been buoyed by our faith and the strength of our family, neighbors, and the community at large. We want to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and incredible efforts to bring Nicholas home safely. We are devastated and trying to process this latest news so our family would appreciate privacy at this very difficult time. We will share plans for Nicholas’s services as soon as they are scheduled.”

There were nearly 3,000 responses to this post as of late Tuesday morning.

“Devastating that such a young and promising young man’s life was cut short,” read one.

“You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for this outcome,” read another.

“So very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and prayers and condolences to you and your family. May Nick rest in peace,” one reader posted.

In a separate post, his cousin wrote, “My cousin nick Pratico was found today, it was not the outcome I was praying for. Please keep his family in your prayers.”

The reality of Pratico’s death went beyond his family. Even those who didn’t know the family personally were heartbroken at the news.

“I am so sorry for your loss...I cannot begin to imagine your pain. I will continue to pray for you, just as I prayed that he would be found. I know you don't know me, but I broke down and cried when I saw this on my feed. I cannot even imagine your heart break. My heartfelt and sincerest condolences to you and your family.”

“I just can't imagine what this promising young man must have been going through personally. My heart breaks for him. To feel so lost that there is no way out...I hope you found the peace you deserve ..rip Nick.”

Pratico was very close with his priest, Father Jason Parzynski, who said during a press conference that it was unlike Pratico to disappear without telling his family where he was going. He also had no history of drug use or mental issues.

“Heartbroken for you Nick; Heartbroken beyond words.. May your soul fly high with the angels. Sending my love and my heartfelt sympathy to the family.”

“I am so sorry for the Pratico family. My prayers go out to the family that God will take care of you and give you strength during this time.”

“I am so sorry. God will comfort you and be with you. I will light a candle and prayers for your fancy and such a terriable Loss. Your son will always be remembered.”

The graduate of Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville was going to take classes at Mercer County Community College in the fall, but was set to take classes at the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts in the spring.

“Heartbroken for your family sending prayers from a mom who couldn't imagine the pain your feeling but know that so many of us are thinking of you n your family.”

“I'm SO sorry to hear this news!! Sending prayers of comfort to all of his family and friends. May the Lord bless you with peace and may his memories live in your hearts forever!”