The morning of April 10, 2023, at around 8:30 a.m., the tranquility of downtown Louisville was shattered by a series of frantic 911 calls reporting a shooting at the Main Street offices of Old National Bank. The perpetrator, Connor Sturgeon, a 25-year-old former bank employee, had unleashed chaos within the premises.
Merely on his fourth shift as a police officer, Wilt was behind the wheel as he and Galloway swiftly arrived near the Preston Pointe building. Without hesitation, they armed themselves and ascended the side steps, heading towards the source of the gunfire.
Their brave actions led them into the heart of danger, unaware of the peril that awaited them upstairs.
Recalling the moment he learned of his brother’s involvement, Alex Wilt, Nick’s sibling, expressed the shock and anguish that gripped him. “I’ll never forget the day that Zach texted me and told me Nick was on that scene,” he revealed. “And then, not even five minutes later, I got the call.”
Tragically, Wilt sustained a gunshot wound to the head at the top of the staircase on Main Street. Galloway, in a display of valor, neutralized Sturgeon moments later. Emergency responders promptly attended to Wilt, swiftly transporting him to UofL Hospital, where he embarked on a long road to recovery, spending months under medical care.
‘He Exuded Fearlessness’
The events of that fateful day left an indelible mark on the city of Louisville and the Wilt family.
Reflecting on her son’s unwavering composure amidst chaos, Jennifer Wilt, Nick’s mother, shared, “After I saw the video the first time they showed us in the hospital, the first thing I said is ‘Look, his hands aren’t shaking.’ He was never nervous.”
In the wake of the tragedy, five bank employees tragically lost their lives: Josh Barrick, Deana Eckert, Tommy Elliott, Juliana Farmer, and Jim Tutt Jr. Additionally, eight individuals, including Wilt and another LMPD officer, suffered gunshot wounds.
The aftermath of the shooting left a community in mourning, with five innocent lives lost and several others wounded.
Attempting to piece together the events, Jennifer Wilt recounted her son’s fragmented recollections of the incident. “We’ve asked him (what happened) and he says he does not remember,” she shared. “In the hospital, he did tell Zach he did remember. He thought that somebody was still after him.”
Nick Wilt’s swift response to the crisis, risking his life to confront the threat head-on, epitomizes true heroism.
Engaging in a poignant conversation with her son, Jennifer Wilt acknowledged his selfless actions, to which Nick humbly responded, “That’s what we do. We have to interfere. You saved lives because you did that. You distracted the person who was committing that crime.”
‘Embracing Progress’
Supported by his family, Nick Wilt embarked on a challenging journey of recovery at UofL Hospital and the Frazier Rehabilitation Institute.
Acknowledging the gravity of his injuries, Jennifer Wilt affirmed, “He is aware of what happened. He knows that he has a brain injury and that he was shot in the head.” Despite this awareness, Nick seldom broaches the topic.
Grateful for the recognition of his courageous actions, Nick expressed his appreciation, stating, “It makes me feel good. I’m happy for it. … I do (feel like a hero).”
While Nick prefers to maintain a low profile, his family graciously receives the outpouring of support on his behalf, a testament to the community’s unwavering solidarity.
Nick’s gradual progress is a source of hope and resilience for his loved ones. Jennifer Wilt remarked, “It’s slow. But they told us that it would be two years before we start to see major progress, and we’ve started seeing it within the first year.”
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Nick Wilt’s determination, coupled with the unwavering support of his family, colleagues, and community, serves as a beacon of strength in the face of adversity.
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.