A reward is being offered as police in Colorado are trying to find the driver in a hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a 1995 Austintown Fitch High School graduate.

According to Denver Police, 46-year-old Nick Cordova was struck and killed on November 18 as he was driving a motorized scooter at the intersection of North Grove Street and North Speer Blvd. just after midnight.

 

 

 

North Grove Street and North Speer Blvd

 

The driver fled the scene of this crash without stopping, rendering aid, or leaving information.

The vehicle, identified as a white Trail Blazer with front end damage and missing the front bumper, was last seen traveling southbound through the North Grove/Hooker Street Alley towards West 29th Avenue.

 

Stock Photo Trail Blazer

 

Khaled Tabbara, a former bandmate of Cordova, writes on Facebook that the two took theatre classes together, describing his lifelong friend as hilarious, creative, kind, creative, and “absolutely the coolest”.

Tabbara, who says memorial services are planned next month, wrote the following obituary for Cordova:

Nicholas John Cordova, formerly of Austintown, passed away at the age of 46 on Nov 18, 2023.

He was born on April 21st, 1977, to Rosemary Cordova Hosa and Nicholas A. Cordova in Bossier City Louisiana, and was raised in Austintown, OH. After Nick graduated from Austintown Fitch High School in 1995, he went on to study at Youngstown State University and was a well-known actor and director in stage productions at The Youngstown Playhouse, The Oakland Center for the Arts, Trumbull New Theater, Easy Street and YSU. He taught children’s theater and playwriting classes and toured with The Magic Carpet Theater Co. performing for students all around Ohio and Pennsylvania.

He was a talented singer, guitarist, and founding member of Youngstown area rock band The Zou. His passion for theater, fashion, great food and music led him to New York City where he took courses at NYU and performed music around the city. He had an adventurous heart and loved exploring new cities.  He moved to San Francisco and eventually to Denver, CO where he developed deep friendships with his work family at Blue Pan Pizza.  He was one of the longest tenured employees and a beloved staple of the establishment.

 Nick truly enjoyed seeing live music and was a compassionate animal lover who stopped to pet every dog he crossed on the street.  He was a kind and gentle soul that found ways to connect with anyone lucky enough to meet him. 

Nick unexpectedly passed in Denver, CO after he was struck in a hit and run accident. Nick is preceded in death by his parents, and he will be missed dearly by his many loved ones across the country, and his beautiful pug, Mabel. Memorial services in Denver, CO and Youngstown, OH are being planned for early January.

 

Anyone with information about the crime is encouraged to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers which is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.

Call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers

(720) 913-7867 - (720) 913-STOP

To be eligible for the award and to remain anonymous, tipsters must call the tip line.