Nick Hans dies at age 20

Nicholas Roger “Nick” Hans, 20, of Westminster, Md., died Friday from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident in Littlestown, Pa.

Born May 8, 1989 in Baltimore, Md., he was the son of Cheryl Martin Miller of Brattleboro, Vt. and Roger Hans Jr. of Westminster. He was the stepson of Kendra Hans and Richard T. Miller Jr.

Mr. Hans, who just turned 20 earlier in the month, was looking forward to joining the Marines within the year. He was a 2007 graduate of Westminster High School. He loved hunting, riding motorcycles and training horses. He especially loved being with his family and being on his grandparents' farm.

He was a driver and trainer for his grandfather at Hans Stables in Westminster. Mr. Hans, who still had his provisional license, had 15 qualifying starts in 2009 and in 2008 had a UDR of .268 with 34 starts and five wins.

He came from a long line of horsemen. His grandfather is longtime Maryland trainer Roger Hans, who taught him the business. He also worked for trainers Gary and Arlene Cameron, his uncle and aunt.

Longtime Standardbred owner and breeder Tom Cooke, president of the Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association, noted that "Nick represented the next generation with special enthusiasm and determination. I was privileged to have Nick drive my horses. He was a good guy willing to learn the ropes of the business. A special bond with his grandfather Roger was obvious when they worked together at the track. I think I can speak for the CSOA community when I say just how deep we feel his loss."

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Brandy Davidson; brothers, James Harrod and Anthony Blumberg; grandparents, Walt and Kay Kunkle and Roger Sr. and Sandra Hans; nieces, Alyson and Kameran; and nephew, Ricky.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 28, at 8 p.m. at the Pritts Funeral Home and Chapel, 412 Washington Rd., Westminster. Officiating will be Rev. Richard Shamer of Zion United Methodist Church. Interment will be private.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until the start of services at 8 p.m. Please use the Chapel entrance.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1393 Progress Way, Suite 908, Eldersburg, Md. 21784. (USTA)

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