Woodbridge, Viriginia and Fort Wayne, Indiana, communities are mourning the untimely death of beloved native and longtime member of sports media, Nicholaus Bunting.
Nicholaus Bunting, who was living in Woodbridge, Virginia, passed away on December 3, 2025, at an untimely age of 47.According to his loved ones, Nicholaus lost his battle with PTSD-driven OCD.
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on October 2, 1978, Nicholaus ‘Nick’ touched the lives of many as an army veteran and his indefinable work as a camera operator in sports media.
Nick attended St. John Baptist De La Salle in Chillum, MD, St. Jude in Fort Wayne, and St Mary’s Grade Schools in Quincy, Illinois, as well as Quincy Notre Dame in Quincy, Illinois.
He also attended Owensboro Catholic and graduated from Key West High School in Key West, Florida.
Similarly, graduating Cum Laude with a BA in major film, theatre, and Communications from the University of New Orleans in 2009, Nicholaus Bunting began his career in camera work and cinematography in New Orleans.
He worked at the Superdome while still at college and further continued his journey working with numerous sports and other events.
Nick worked as a camera operator for the Saints, Pelicans, and many other teams of the NFL and served as a longtime employee at Cox Sports, SMG, and LeSEA Broadcasting, where he covered collegiate, high school, studio, and live events.
He most recently worked as a freelance camera operator for Monumental Sports.
Nicholaus Bunting Was Also a Proud Army Veteran
In addition to being an amazing cameraman, Nicholaus Bunting touched the lives of many as a proud army veteran.
He was a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, initially serving in the US Navy as a Sonar Tech on the USS Newport News SSN.
Nick further transferred to the Louisiana National Guard, Command Aviation Battalion, and later to the Louisiana Air National Guard, eventually transferring to the DC Air National Guard in 2019, retiring in August 2024.
Throughout his service, he won several honorable titles. Nick earned his Submarine Warfare pin while still a Seaman Apprentice and received achievement awards in all three services, along with commendation medals, including Marksman.
Likewise, Nicholaus voluntarily flew on multiple missions in Iraq with various services and countries, including the Polish Grom and the Scottish Black Watch.
His remarkable contribution to the country as an Army veteran and his indescribable work as a camera operator will always be remembered.
Many of his loved ones are sharing Nick’s memories on social media and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
One wrote:
“Nicholaus Bunting was a fellow camera op that I seen and worked beside for years. We weren’t close but I respected his work and we always spoke when we were in the same spaces. He was always friendly to me and would give me advise (even when I didn’t ask lol). Beautiful soul. His feeling to leave this plain of existence really floored me, being a little younger than me and personally never seeing any signs that would indicate him possibly being overwhelmed. His passing hurts my heart and I wonder could anything have been said or an action taken to help him. This and also knowing another former co worker dying of cancer really is sobering. Rest well Nicholaus. And I hope those that know you and love you find some sort of closet in whatever time it takes for them.”
Anthony Kodwo Amos
Nicholaus Bunting is survived by his beloved parents, Elizabeth and Edward Bunting, his four sisters, Elspeth Bunting and her son Adam, Bernadette Blair and her husband Dalton, Celestine Alexander and her husband Michael, and Bridget Bunting.
He was preceded in death by his three brothers. His memorial and funeral services took place last week, surrounded by his family, friends, and loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a memorial donation be made to Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Woodbridge, Virginia, to honor the late Nicholaus Bunting.
Nick’s mother, Elizabeth Bunting, took to her social media to pay tribute to her beloved son and shared his favorite quote from the movie Superman that reads:
““That is where you are wrong, Lex. I am as human as anyone. I love, I-I get scared. I wake up every morning, and despite not knowing what to do, I put one foot in front of the other and try to make the best choices I can. I screw up all the time, but that is being human, and that’s my greatest strength. And someday, I hope for the sake of the world, you understand that it’s yours too.”
Similarly, his sister Bernadette Blair also recalled Nick’s memories on social media and wrote:
“Our brother was more than just family—he was our best friend, always defending and supporting others. His willingness to help anyone in need was unwavering. His infectious smile and hearty laughter lifted everyone’s spirits. Nick proudly served as an Iraq veteran; even after returning, he changed, yet he never revealed the internal struggles he faced. We sensed he was fighting a battle within and tried to comfort him through tears. Tragically, he lost his fight with PTSD—a poignant reminder of how crucial mental health awareness truly is.”
