Nicholas Alexander "Nick" Freeman

Nicholas Alexander "Nick" Freeman, 37, of Reisterstown, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 29, 2024, after suffering a medical emergency while hiking in Patapsco State Park with his fraternity brothers.
He grew up surrounded by love and carried that love into every aspect of his life. His sweet, loving smile could light up any room, and his gentle nature touched the hearts of all who knew him. He lived with a spirit of generosity, always willing to help those in need.
Nick was born on December 17, 1986, at Carroll Hospital in Westminster, and was the beloved son of Rodney and Janet (Magruder) Freeman.
He graduated from Franklin High School in the class of 2004. While there, Nick fostered his love for sports by playing basketball, football, baseball, track and field and swimming. From the age of five to seventeen, he racked up over fifty trophies from his competitive nature. Nick was a lifelong learner of education. He attended Howard Community College, where he played basketball. The late Mrs. Alice Conn was his English teacher who challenged Nicholas to be a great writer. Anyone who knows Nicholas; understood how he loved a challenge. He proved to Mrs. Conn that he could be a great writer, which led to him making the Dean's list and being acknowledged with high honors by the Silas Craft program.
Later, he transferred to Frostburg State University where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology. While there, he joined the Omega Epsilon fraternity and was a member of the Flying Squirrels Intramural team. In addition, he was a proud member and devoted brother to Dave, James, Chad, and Justin the men who were with Nick on Monday, July 29th while hiking in Patapsco State Park. When Nick collapsed, they worked tirelessly to administer CPR and perform chest compressions in an attempt to save his life. We are grateful for your dedication and love while holding Nick's hand and comforting him in his last few minutes of life on this earth.
Nick continued his academic journey at the Maryland Institute College of Art, where he earned a master's degree in entrepreneurship.
In 2012, Nick moved to California to pursue his dreams in acting and modeling. Although he had no former training, Nick would get many of the roles he auditioned for and would go on to perform as the lead in Aijia Li's film "Short Term," and was featured in ads by Guess, Dockers, Toyota, and Feiyue. Nick also released a Lo-fi hip hop album, "Short Stories," under the alias "Nicky Free" where he wrote and composed many songs which he often played as a DJ. Additionally, he was a model at LA Fashion Week and was a host at the Grio Awards.
He was the proud owner of Baba Natural, LLC, a healing salve company, and continued to thrive as an entrepreneur seeking his next adventure. While in California, Nick developed a love for hiking mountains and nature trails.
Nicholas lived life on his terms and embraced it fiercely. He was a quiet inspiration to many-his family, friends, fraternity brothers, and even strangers he met along the way. Known for his compassionate heart, he once helped an elderly woman plant her garden simply because he saw she was struggling. This act of kindness was just one of many examples of the selflessness that defined him.
Nick's creative spirit inspired and motivated those he loved. He had an infectious personality and was both a good leader and a compassionate listener.
Though his time with us was far too short, Nicholas's impact was profound. He faced each day with courage and determination, reminding us all of the importance of living authentically and embracing every moment fully.
He is survived by his loving parents, Rodney and Janet (Magruder) Freeman, of Reisterstown; grandparents, LeRoy and Constance Freeman of Catonsville; Thomas "Tommy" Freeman, who was like a brother to him. His prolific grandmother, "Gammy" Barbara Outen who preceded him would often speak with Nick about the bible and the teaching of the Lord. Nick also leaves behind his cherished fur baby brothers, Gunner and Maverick; and his college pet, Chief, who has passed on. Additionally, Nick is survived by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, his devoted fraternity brothers, and an abundance of friends.
Nicholas is now with God, experiencing the eternal peace and light that he once spoke about when he had his heart attack. While we mourn his loss deeply, we find comfort in knowing that he is surrounded by divine love.
Rest in peace, dear Nicholas. You will forever be in our hearts, and we will carry your memory with.
The family will welcome friends on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from 5 to 8pm at Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel, 412 Washington Rd., Westminster, and on Thursday, August 8th from 11am to 12 Noon at which time services will begin at 12 Noon at 1st Presbyterian Church of Westminster, 65 Washington Rd., Westminster (Please Use Back Entrance off of Bennet Ave.) For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG9FswF4xZo
Interment will be in Westminster Cemetery
Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Maryland Institute College of Art, "Nicholas Alexander Freeman Scholarship" at www.givecampus.com
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Donations are also appreciated to the American Heart Association.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.prittsfuneralhome.com