Loved ones are devastated after a Southern California father was killed by a hit-and-run driver.
On Feb. 18, the victim, Josh Nichols, 44, was walking home with his dog after a night out.
Shortly before 1 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a man lying on the roadway on Riverside Drive, just west of Baker Street in Lake Elsinore.
Arriving deputies found Nichols injured and lying facedown on the street. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Based on evidence, detectives believe he was struck by a vehicle before the driver fled.
Although the circumstances surrounding the deadly crash remain unclear, Nichols’ friends believe it’s possible that his dog, Woodson, had somehow broken free from his leash and Nichols may have been killed while trying to retrieve the dog.
His friends and family are remembering the kind and bright-spirited man who always supported them.
The victim, Josh Nichols, 44, is seen in a family photo. 
The victim, Josh Nichols, 44, and his child, is seen in a family photo. 
The victim’s dog, Woodson, who remains missing, is seen in a family photo. 
A makeshift memorial honoring Josh Nichols can be seen along Riverside Drive in Lake Elsinore. (KTLA) 
Riverside Drive in Lake Elsinore. (KTLA) 
The victim’s brother, Jason Nichols, speaks to KTLA on Feb. 20, 2025. He hopes the hit-and-run driver is caught soon. (KTLA) 
Josh Nichols is seen with close friends in a personal photo. 
Josh Nichols, (left) is seen with his best friend, Jeff Hippen, in a personal photo.
“It ripped a piece of my heart when he died,” his brother, Jason Nichols, told KTLA’s Shelby Nelson.
“This wasn’t part of the plan,” said Jeff Hippen, the victim’s best friend. “I want him to be remembered for the heart he had. Our love for each other was endless. He would do anything for me.”
Loved ones described Nichols as a social butterfly who loved meeting new people.
“If we went out somewhere, he would always want to talk to everybody,” said Rio Mitchell, a longtime friend. “He was always really happy and lively and was just a great person.”
A makeshift memorial honoring Nichols can be seen along Riverside Drive.
Detectives believe the suspect’s car is likely a dark-colored vehicle with front-end damage.
“If we can find out who did this, it would give me peace of mind,” Jason said, overwhelmed with emotion. “My mom committed suicide and my dad died. [Josh] was the only person I had left in my life.”
Authorities said Nichols’ dog, Woodson, remains missing. No further details were released as the case remains under investigation.
A GoFundMe link to help Nichols’ family with funeral expenses can be found here.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Deputy Keyser at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station at 951-245-3300 or Riverside Sheriff’s Dispatch at 951-776-1099.
