Natural Resources Officer Luke Douglas Nihart, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism

Natural Resources Officer Luke Douglas Nihart

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism - Law Enforcement Division, Kansas

End of Watch Saturday, June 26, 2010

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Luke Douglas Nihart

Natural Resources Officer Luke Nihart was killed in an ATV crash while working at the Country Stampede music festival at Tuttle Creek State Park.

He was entering the parking area of a Department of Wildlife and Parks office when his ATV flipped over at approximately 3:20 am. He was transported to Mercy Regional Health Center, where he succumbed to his injuries two hours later.

Officer Nihart had served with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for 11 years. He is survived by his wife and two young children.

Bio

Age 32
Tour 11 years
Badge 1247

Incident Details

Cause Accidental

community event, routine driving

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In Loving Memory of Luke Nihart
KLETC Class 162 | End of Watch: June 26, 2010

Fifteen years have passed, but the memory of Luke Nihart remains as vivid and powerful as ever. As a proud member of KLETC Class 162, I had the honor of training alongside Luke—a man whose dedication, courage, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on all of us.

Luke was more than a fellow cadet; he was a brother in blue, a friend, and a true public servant. He carried himself with humility and purpose, always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh during the toughest days of training. His commitment to protecting others was unwavering, and he gave his life doing what he was called to do—serve and protect.

On this anniversary of his ultimate sacrifice, we remember Luke not just for how he died, but for how he lived—with integrity, compassion, and a warrior’s heart. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the community he served, and the classmates who will never forget him.

Rest easy, Luke. We carry your memory with us, always.

#NeverForgotten #KLETC162 #HonorTheFallen #LukeNihart

Brad Hall Fmr Officer and Classmate
Augusta Department of Safety

June 23, 2025