Ayden James Hager, a 21-year-old from York, Nebraska, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Family and friends across the community have been sharing memories of a young man known for his generous heart and his skill with anything mechanical.
Ayden was born on July 6, 2004, in Seward, Nebraska, to James Nichelson and Mindy Hager. He graduated from York High School in 2023 and completed the Diesel Technology program at Southeast Community College in Milford in 2025.
He worked at Freedom Repair Motorsports in York and was known as the person people called when something needed fixing.
A Life Built Around Family and Passion
Those who knew Ayden describe him as someone who lit up a room. He loved hunting, racing, and building cars, and he had a deep affection for his dogs and cats. Friends and family say his easy smile and willingness to help anyone in need left a mark on everyone he met.
His uncle, Jeremy Nichelson, shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, writing about his pride in Ayden and the pain of losing him. He encouraged others to tell their loved ones how much they mean to them, saying life can change without warning.
Ayden is survived by:
- His sister, Emma Hager, along with her partner Levye Grant and their daughter Isobel, of Henderson, Nebraska
- His mother, Mindy Hager, of Gresham, Nebraska
- Uncles Brent Hager, Kyle Hager, Christopher Nichelson, Jeremy Nichelson, and David Nichelson, along with their families
- His grandfather, Dennis Nichelson, of Stromsburg
- Aunt Pamela Nichelson, of Stromsburg
- Special friend Ansleigh Richards, of York
- Numerous cousins and extended family members
He was preceded in death by his father, James Nichelson, and his grandparents, Marilyn Nichelson, Dave Hager, and Cheryl (Howard) Scherer.
Community Invited to Honor His Memory
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Metz Chapel in York. Reverend Matthew Mau will officiate the ceremony. Ayden has been cremated, and there will be no public viewing or visitation before the service.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed on the Metz Mortuary YouTube channel.
Memorials in Ayden’s honor may be directed to the family, who will decide on a designation at a later time.
Metz Mortuary in York is handling the arrangements. Ayden’s obituary describes him as someone who brought laughter wherever he went and whose kindness will not be forgotten by those who knew him.
