Officer Nickolas Wilt home after 109 days in hospital following Old National Bank shooting
On April 10, Louisville Metro Police Officer Nickolas Wilt was shot in the head while responding to the mass shooting at Old National Bank.
Friday, 109 days later, he left the University of Louisville Hospital surrounded by friends, family members, his partner and other officers who were with him the day of the shooting.
"I'm so excited that our friend, our loved one, is walking out of the hospital," LMPD Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel told the Courier Journal Friday.
The 26-year-old was a new recruit who had graduated from the academy just 10 days before the shooting. He was in critical condition for over a month, underwent brain surgery, battled pneumonia, and has been working to regain speech and mobility since moving to the Frazier Rehabilitation Institute on May 10.
He's remained in high spirits through his recovery, his brother, Zack Wilt, said Friday.
"They say it's a long road, it's a marathon, but every day he's ready to go," Zack said. "He'll probably be embarrassed that I say this, but his little catchphrase when we wheel him out every day out of his room is, 'Let's boogie woogie.'"
The whole family has a "pitbull mentality" when it comes to Wilt's recovery, Gwinn-Villaroel said. "They're just aggressive in their need and a desire to get better."
Wilt will start outpatient care next week.
"He doesn't get much of a break," said Dr. Darryl Kaelin, the medical director at the rehabilitation center. "It will be a five-day-a-week program that includes physical therapy for leg strengthening, standing and walking."
He'll also receive occupational therapy focused on arm strengthening and self-care skills like bathing, dressing, and grooming, Kaelin said. Wilt will also continue speech and cognitive therapy.
The focus remains on his health, said Gwinn-Villaroel, and they have not discussed what Wilt's future might be with the department as he continues to improve.
However, she said, "Whatever his future holds, LMPD is going to be right here to navigate that with him."
Over the past 109 days, the Louisville community has held a prayer vigil for Wilt and made donations to his family to help with the costs associated with his recovery.
"I just want to say to Officer Wilt: the whole city is behind you," Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said. "We are here to support you and your family in any way we can."
Reach reporter Eleanor McCrary at EMcCrary@courier-journal.com or on Twitter at @ellie_mccrary.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Officer Nickolas Wilt hospital release Old National Bank shooting
