By Karla Ward
Lexington Herald-Leader
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A rookie Louisville police officer who remains in critical condition after a mass shooting has developed pneumonia.
The Louisville Metro Police Foundation, which is raising money for the care of Officer Nickolas Wilt, shared an update from Wilt’s twin brother on Facebook Tuesday, asking people to “send prayers and healing thoughts” to Wilt, who is still on a ventilator.
The post said pneumonia “is a common illness after being on a vent, the doctors & nurses are working to treat it. Please continue to pray.”
Wilt, 26, was one of the first officers on the scene of the shooting at Old National Bank on East Main Street April 10 and was shot in the head. Six people died, including the shooter.
Wilt is listed in critical but stable condition and is the only victim from the deadly shooting who remains hospitalized.
He graduated from the police academy March 31. He has previously worked as a firefighter and dispatcher, the post stated.
“Since the sudden death of his father in February Nick has stepped up and taken over being a handyman for his mom, whom he dearly loves,” according to the update. “Nick adores his twin brother Zack (who is also in the academy for LMPD) and his brother Alex. Nick and his girlfriend Maddie met at work at Oldham County EMS and you can tell from these pictures how much he cares for her.”
Baptist Health said in a Facebook post the day of the shooting that Wilt was “employed by Baptist Health LaGrange to work at Oldham County EMS.” He previously worked full-time as an EMT and “is still on the staff on an as-needed basis,” Baptist Health said.
As of Tuesday afternoon, more than $134,000 had been raised through the Louisville Metro Police Foundation, and the organization said all proceeds will go to Wilt’s family, according to the foundation’s Facebook post. Donations can be made through Venmo or by visiting saferlouisville.org.
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