Nicholas Johnson

A Cold Springs High School senior, set to graduate Saturday, died Thursday from injuries he suffered in a wreck last week, gutting family and classmates alike.

Nick Johnson, 18, passed away at UAB Hospital where he had been undergoing treatment for severe head injuries following a wreck on County Road 222 on May 12. Family members said his condition improved before worsening suddenly.

The class officer would have received his degree Saturday along with his classmates who plan to where purple in honor of Johnson. On Friday, students inscribed messages in chalk along the walls and sidewalks at the school before a vigil.

A second vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at Sportsman Lake Park, and an account has been established at Traditions Bank in his name to help his family.

In a Facebook post Friday, his older sister, Jennah Langseth said her brother fought for life for six days “but in the end, God needed him.”

“He was special. He was someone you met and loved regardless,” Langseth said. “He had so much potential and so much to live for, but I guess he serves a greater purpose somewhere else… I can’t believe he won’t ever be here again to talk to me, eat my food, pet my dogs, mess with my phone, cheer me up, cook me terrible food, run with me and be my best friend and just be here for everyone. Because that’s how he was.”

Cold Springs’ commencement is set to begin at noon Saturday.

There has been an outpouring of support for the Johnson family and mourning by his classmates.