Nicholas Thomas Laqua was 23 when he died on April 15, 2017, in Bismarck, North Dakota. At the time, he worked as a salesman for a local home improvement company.

Born December 11, 1993, Nicholas was described as a lifelong Bismarck resident who loved outdoor sports — snowboarding, skateboarding and skiing — and played hockey and baseball. Family remembered him as having a heart of gold and a proud uncle to his nephews and niece. Services were held in Bismarck where friends and family gathered after his sudden death.

Few public details about the circumstances of the handgun misfire have been provided; there were no reports of arrests or suspects. If anyone has information about what happened to Nicholas on April 15, 2017, please share what is known.