A pair of newlyweds from Ohio were married just three days before the groom died in a tragic waterskiing accident. Nate Kuhlman and his new wife, Mariana Kuhlman, married on October 28 in Steubenville and honeymooned in St. Lucia, where Nate died on October 31.
Nate’s mother, Heather Kuhlman, shared news of her son’s death on Facebook and asked for prayers, hoping for a miracle. The accident shocked family and friends and left a new bride to navigate a life without the man she loved.
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Nate’s family hoped for a miracle.
Heather Kuhlman took to Facebook to ask for prayers. “Hey everyone, our family could use some prayers. Cannot answer any questions right now,” she wrote. She hoped for a miracle for her son that she likened to Lazarus rising from the dead.
“I know it sounds crazy, but our God is alive and good and loves us. So, yes please join us in praying for a miracle for Nate and ask the Holy Spirit to be with Mari to comfort her and grant her peace," the post continued.
Details surrounding his death are unclear.
The only information disclosed, according to a GoFundMe page, is that “Nate tragically died in a water skiing accident on October 31 – just 3 days after they were married.”
He and Mariana were in St. Lucia together to celebrate their marriage. According to Facebook, the couple got engaged in Zion National Park in December of 2022. Photos showed a happy couple who appeared to be very much in love.
Nate’s family remembered him as a man of faith.
Nate graduated from Franciscan University in Steubenville, according to WFLA. The university planned a holy hour in his honor on Monday.
The description on a second GoFundMe page remembered Nate fondly:
“Nate was a wonderful husband, friend, son, and brother in Christ. He was able to thoughtfully encounter every person he met and those who had the blessing of a relationship with him would be able to tell a list of stories detailing what a fun, kind, and adventurous soul he was,” the post reads. “Nate tragically lost his life three days after his wedding. Words cannot describe the heart break there is for his story and for his family. We kindly ask for help to assist for funeral cost and travel of the family.”
His grieving family traveled to St. Lucia to make final arrangements.
According to Heather Kuhlman, the family was going to St. Lucia to bring their beloved son home. The mother was understandably heartbroken as she shared more information on Facebook. “We will need a couple of days to regroup with just family once we get home. Thank you so much for the many ways God has blessed us through your prayers and friendship. We are so grateful for each one of you,” she wrote.
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Tributes to Nate filled social media.
Nate was beloved by many, who shared memories of their good friend and sent prayers to his family.
Friend Dove Herd wrote, “Saddened and shocked by the news of my old friend’s passing. His new wife and family are in my thoughts. If there is any donations you would like to give to help with funeral costs please use this go fund me link but most importantly pray for his family in this time.”
“Eternal rest grant unto him. My beautiful baby cousin, Nathaniel, I love you!” Jillian Kaprinski shared with a photo.
Collectively, the GoFundMe campaigns have raised more than $100,000 for Nate’s family thus far.
