In Loving Memory of Nicolas Luque Braun

December 8, 2003 - November 12, 2025

With hearts overflowing with love and grief, we remember Nico, a beloved son, grandson, brother, teammate, and friend. Born in Boston and deeply tied to his Colombian and American roots, Nico shared a profound love with his mother Diana, his father Jonathan, his sister Isabel (Izzy), his extended family, and the many friends Nico made through the course of his life.

Nico radiated high energy. People were drawn to him, and fun seemed to follow him everywhere he went. With his quick wit, Nico would easily make a room fill with laughter. Nico loved games and he loved to play, he could turn anything and everything into a challenge. When he put his mind to something, he gave his full effort, total commitment. Nico loved to win!

Nico loved sports of all kinds, but football was his greatest passion. As a captain of the Brookline High School football team, he rose to the test of motivating a squad that was often the underdog. He had a way of connecting with everyone. He led by example. Nico had an incredible drive, always focused on improving, putting in the work. Above all Nico valued relationships. Through sports he formed close bonds with his coaches, teammates, trainers, and even opponents. Those friendships carried on long after the competition ended. Nico continued making those connections after high school, playing football at Bridgton Academy in Maine, and working with the football team at Virginia Tech.

Nico did everything with extreme intensity, he was driven by such strong emotions. Rap music pulsed in his ears and through his veins, a soundtrack to his journey.

Behind Nico's competitive fire and strong physical build was a tenderness, he was sensitive and full of wonder. He loved caring for his pet hamsters, fish, and cat, and he grieved deeply when each passed. Nico wove his own spiritual tapestry, a belief system that combined and included the many parts of his identity, uniquely his own.

When Nico was a fan, he was a fierce supporter, there was no halfway. He would shake with excitement, spring from the couch shouting with joy or in outrage while watching a Pats game - often with his Grammy Linda, with whom he shared a special bond. Nico posed endless questions and was not afraid to ask or say something that might seem obvious. As a result, conversations around him were real - original, honest, animated.

Nico unconditionally loved and was loved by his mother, father, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Nico was especially close to his sister Izzy, his partner in crime. Nico carefully created and designed his tattoos, each serving as an inspiration to himself and as a tribute to his mother, father and sister.

Nicolas Luque Braun was born on December 8, 2003 in Boston, Massachusetts. He died on November 12, 2025 following an accident. Nico is survived by his parents, Jonathan and Diana, his sister Isabel, his grandparents Miriam Ayala and Tomas Luque, and Linda and Peter Braun, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Nico's life and his memory are eternal blessings.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 29, 2025 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Arlington, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any contributions be made in Nico's memory to a mental health services organization of the donor's choice.