Dear Alfred University alumni, parents, and friends,
I regret to inform you that Nicholas Clark ’11 was killed
early this morning in the line of duty as a New York State trooper. This
tragedy touches us in so many ways. Nick was a wonderful young man, highly
regarded for his community spirit, great heart, and unquestionable skills as a
football player. Whenever our Saxons got into a tough situation on the football
field, the coaches sent in Nick Clark to get the job done.
Nick’s mother, Theresa Gunn ’96, MBA ’98, is an accounting
professor with our College of Business and a valued member of our community.
Please join me in extending condolences to Theresa and her family on Nick’s
tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
While not all details of the shooting have been released by
police yet, First Deputy Superintendent of the New York State Police, Chris
Fiori, said at a press conference this afternoon that Nick was among the police
officers responding to the report of a “suicidal subject barricaded in his
residence” in the town of Irwin (Steuben County) at approximately 3:30 a.m. As
police responded to the scene, Stephen Riley, 43, principal at the Bradford,
NY, Central School system, opened fire, hitting Trooper Clark.
Nick, who earned a degree in environmental studies from
Alfred University, was Nicholas Clark a member of the 203rd Session Graduation
Class of the New York State Police’s Basic School, graduating in September
2015. He transferred to the State Police station in Bath in August 2017.
Nick was a four-year letter winner for the Saxons, ending
his career as one of the most decorated players in our program’s 120-year
history. As a linebacker, he was a two-time All-America honoree while earning
Empire 8 All-Conference honors three times, the Empire 8 Defensive Player of
the Year honor twice—the first in the conference to do so—and the Empire 8
Conference Merit Award. Post-graduation, Nick went on to participate in the
Buffalo Bills’ (NFL) mini-camp in Orchard Park, New York.
Paul Vecchio, our athletic director, noted that: "Nick
is one of the all-time greats who has ever worn the Purple and Gold and did so
in a way that left a legacy that will never be forgotten. Our heartfelt prayers
and supportive thoughts go out to his family, including his mother, Theresa
Gunn, an Alfred University professor and currently the Faculty Athletic
Representative for the Division of Athletics. Nick’s passion was to serve
others, and this led him to his position as a New York State Trooper. His
passing underscores the incredible sacrifices and risks that these brave men
and women make every day to keep our communities safe.”
Alfred University head football coach Bob Rankl, who was an
assistant coach when Nick played for our Saxons added that: “Words cannot
express the loss that the Alfred University football family has suffered. Nick
was not only a great player, but also a great supporter of our program. Our
prayers go out to his family.”
We do not yet have details of services. We will share that
information when it becomes available.
Mark
