NBC Action News remembers co-worker Nick Dutcher

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - On Tuesday afternoon 30-year old Nick Dutcher was found murdered in his south Kansas City home .

Nick was an important member of the NBC Action News team. He worked as an evening assignment editor at the station for more than a year.

We remember Nick for his smile and his passion for weather.

"He had a certain confidence, a certain interesting nature about him that was just special. He will be missed by all of us," said Chief Meteorologist Gary Lezak.

Nick started working as a volunteer for Call For Action eight years ago. That's where he formed a lasting friendship with Marilyn Ricci.

"If someone is a bright light in your life I think it's harder to give them up," says Ricci.

A bright light is what Nick was to us. Click on the video attached to this story to hear more about Nick, including comments from Chief Meteorologist Gary Lezak, who knew Nick since he was 12.

Message from NBC News Channel

"My heart is heavy today after learning the news about Nick. I know this has been an especially tough day for you all.

Nick was truly a bright spot in my day. We had developed a great rapport and I had come to depend on him for anything I needed and even some things I didn't know I needed yet.

We often talked about things outside of news such as his love for Hoda, Celine Dion, and electronic gadgets. I marveled at his passion for storm chasing.

He would call just to say, "Hello!" or "I'm here!" Nick was for me - animated, energetic, tenacious, and serious about his job. Yes, we have bumped heads a couple of times but that was Nick, not backing down.

All of us here at the News Channel share in your sadness and shock over this tragedy."