Family, friends remember Weld County Sheriff’s Deputy who was killed in hit-and-run

Alexis Hein-Nutz, the Weld County Sheriff’s Deputy who was killed in a hit-run last weekend, was honored at a funeral service Saturday.

Weld County Sheriff’s Deputies and other members of law enforcement led a procession for the 24 year-old from the Weld County Jail in Greeley to Foundation Church in Loveland.

Hein-Nutz’s family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers attended the service. Her mother, Tammy, and sisters, Kylee and Alisha Iverson remembered her as a hardworking, funny, and caring person.

Weld County Sheriff's Office

“It is never easy to say goodbye to someone who has been a part of our lives,”  Kylee Hein-Nutz said. “She always put other people first and she would bend over backwards for anyone. I loved her more than words I can possibly say. Alexis, thank you for being a part of our lives.”

Former coworkers stood side-by-side as they told stories about how Hein-Nutz motivated others and loved the Disney character Stitch. Deputy Andy Wilson quoted the movie “Lilo & Stitch” when describing their professional relationship.

“‘Ohana’ means ‘family.’ Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten,” Wilson said. “Alexis was my ‘part-e-ner,’ which she loved to say other than partner because she had a certain way of getting her way. Always. She was my gift from God and my dearest friend.” 

Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams said he had spoken to Hein-Nutz about her career goals in his office only three months ago. Hein-Nutz, he said, wanted to become sheriff after four years with the agency. 

“That's who Alexis was,” Reams said. “She was driven. She was motivated. She was a hard charger and she was just a kid.”

Hein-Nutz was riding her motorcycle to work last Sunday when she was hit by a white van at a Greely intersection.  Witnesses saw someone run into a nearby cornfield. The suspect, Norberto Garcia-Gonzales, was later arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident, careless driving, failure to yield right of way, driving under restraint, and obstructing a peace officer. The 36-year-old is set to appear in court Friday.

Hein-Nutz's remains will be taken to her hometown of Bismarck, North Dakota for a private funeral, according to a statement from the Weld County Sheriff's office.