Nikki Ely, who marched in Phantom Regiment’s color guard from 1988-95, died unexpectedly Saturday. She was 33.
Nikki, who had been living in Miami, died of head injuries sustained after falling off a golf cart at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Fla.
She was a passenger in a cart driven by Kyle Edward Stover, 24, of Miami, according to a story by The Associated Press. Stover made a sharp turn, which caused Ely to fall from the cart, Florida Highway Patrol spokesman Lt. Pat Santangelo said.
The Pekin, Ill., native earned a spot in the color guard as a 14-year-old and eventually would become the guard’s C.O.
A memorial service will be held 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25 at Pekin Moose Lodge #916 (2605 Broadway St., 61554) in Pekin, Ill.
Nikki’s mother, Dee, has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nikki Ely Scholarship Fund at Phantom Regiment. Please make checks payable to Phantom Regiment and put Nikki Ely on the note line and send to Phantom Regiment, 5050 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108. Or you can contribute online to the Nichole Ely Memorial Scholarship Fund.
