PASCOAG, RI — A deep sense of grief has settled over Pascoag and the broader dog agility community following the sudden and devastating death of John Nys, 48, founder of Agility Rush K9 Performance. The beloved trainer, competitor, and mentor was killed in a tragic private aircraft crash near a local airfield over the weekend, sending shockwaves through the town and beyond.
The accident reportedly occurred shortly after takeoff, when the small aircraft Nys was piloting experienced an apparent mechanical failure. Witnesses in the area said they heard the sputter of an engine followed by a deafening impact in a wooded section near the Pascoag airstrip. Emergency responders from multiple departments rushed to the scene but found that Nys had not survived the crash.
Local authorities, including the Rhode Island State Police and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have launched a full investigation into the cause of the accident. Early reports suggest that weather conditions were relatively clear at the time, though officials are examining all possible factors — including engine malfunction and pilot distress — to determine what led to the fatal crash.
The loss of Nys has left an irreplaceable void not only in Pascoag but throughout the national dog agility community. As the founder of Agility Rush, he was recognized as a passionate leader whose dedication inspired countless handlers and competitors. His teaching style, energy, and belief in teamwork transformed the way many viewed the sport, turning it into both an art and a discipline built on connection and trust.
Friends and students have taken to social media to share heartfelt tributes, describing Nys as a “visionary,” “mentor,” and “the heart of agility.” Many recalled how he devoted his time not just to elite competitors but to everyday pet owners who wanted to deepen their bond with their dogs. His passing, they said, represents not only the loss of a great teacher but a cornerstone of the community he helped build.
In the small Rhode Island town of Pascoag, residents described Nys as approachable, genuine, and deeply respected. He was often seen at community events, volunteering his time and encouraging young people to chase their dreams with the same determination that defined his own career. His influence extended far beyond the training field — touching lives through compassion, mentorship, and humility.
As investigators continue to examine the wreckage, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed it will release a preliminary report within the next two weeks. The process could take months to yield a full explanation. Meanwhile, family members have requested privacy as they grieve the loss of a man who meant so much to so many.
Plans for a memorial service are currently being arranged, with colleagues expecting a large gathering of trainers, handlers, and competitors from across the United States. It will likely serve not only as a celebration of Nys’s life but as a reflection of the extraordinary community he built from the ground up.
For now, Pascoag mourns in collective heartbreak. The tragic crash has left friends and admirers across the country struggling to make sense of the loss — a reminder of how fragile life can be, and how one man’s passion can leave a legacy far greater than his years.
John Nys’s influence, energy, and kindness will continue to live on through every student he inspired, every dog he trained, and every competitor who carries his lessons forward. His story is one of purpose, perseverance, and profound impact — a life that soared, even as it was cut short too soon.