'He was so loved:' Ozaukee County YMCA mourning loss of employee killed in crash

OZAUKEE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Coworkers are mourning the loss of a Milwaukee man killed in a snowy crash on I-43 in Ozaukee County on Wednesday, Nov. 6. 

Thirty-eight-year-old Nicholas Schrott, better known to many as Nicky, was on his way to work at the Feith Family YMCA in Port Washington when he died in the accident. 

Police say Schrott crashed into a disabled semi truck near Exit 96 in Saukville. Police say the snowy roads contributed to the crash.

“The loss of Nicky is something we are going to feel for a very, very long time,” Kirsten Coenen, Feith Family YMCA Branch Director, said.

Schrott worked at the YMCA for nearly three years at the front desk greeting members as they came in. He's described as always having a smile on his face. Schrott also taught swim lessons where he was known to set themes for the class and dress up to entertain the children.

“He was so loved and such a staple of our branch,” Coenen said. “Everyone who comes in knew Nicky, his smile, and his crazy socks.”

Feith Family YMCA Branch Director Kirsten Coenen, said Schrott was always showing off his socks and competing with another co-workers to see whose were the silliest.

In Schrott’s memory Thursday, his co-workers wore their favorite crazy socks to work. Dozens of YMCA members shared their own favorite memories on social media.

“The stories they’ve shared on Facebook have really brought tears to all of our eyes,” Coenen said.

Schrott’s co-workers say his smile and joy will never be forgotten

“He was a fantastic people person and it’s a really big loss, not just for the Y, but really the community,” Coenen said.

The YMCA says they will have support available for their grieving staff and are planning on honoring Schrott at their facility in the coming weeks.