Remembering Nicky Hayden

They say as you get older time begins to go by faster and faster. As I type I can't believe it's been a year since we lost Owensboro's beloved Nicky Hayden.

I feel like the world stopped turning when it was announced Nicky had passed away after several days in the hospital following an cycling accident in Italy.

I knew the Hayden family well. Nicky taught me how to ride a motorcycle. I was actually telling my son Braden this while on vacation. We went to a local cycle rental shop here in Panama and he asked if I had ever ridden a motorcyle and I said "well yeah Nicky Hayden taught me how to ride" to which he replied "NO WAY YOU'RE LYING!" I finally convinced him that I wasn't and then the upcoming anniversary hit me like a ton of bricks.

To say he made an impact on many would be an understatement. Even with his world popularity Nicky made it a point to still remain a hometown Owensboro boy. He kept roots here in the boro and his same friends, could work a crowd of people better than a politician, and made sure to make time to take a knee and visit with all the kiddos that idolized him.

One thing I will always remember about Nicky is how very close he was to his family. The Hayden's are top notch. A close knit family. Nicky was always with his brothers and their families or even just hanging with his parents.

On what will be a very hard day for many I want to remember the Nicky Hayden I knew growing up. The guy who could be spotted in a crowd from a mile away. Who dared to live on the edge and get leopard spotted hair, who had a smile that could absolutely light up the darkest room.

Through a partnership with the Hayden Family and the City of Owensboro Nicky will be remembered through a sculpture that is being erected at 501 W. 2nd Street.

The sculpture will be unveiled on Friday, June 8, at 5:30 during Friday After Five.

Today I am praying strength and peace for Nicky's family and friends and all those who loved him so very much.