Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater State University
In Tribute to a Hero . . .
Nicholas Gosselin, '19, Aviation Science Graduate, Lost in Humanitarian Effort in Indonesia
The university community is rallying around the family of Nicholas Gosselin, '19, a graduate of its Aviation Science program and an
experienced pilot who lost his life while flying a humanitarian mission
in Indonesia on July 2nd.
President Clark has been in close contact with his parents, David and Catherine Gosselin of Sandy Hook, Connecticut, and says "I talked with his mom just a few days ago, and she shared with me how much Nick absolutely loved his years at BSU and all of the friends he made here."
Later this summer, President Clark added, Nick’s family will be on campus for a vigil sponsored by his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma chapter of Alpha Eta Rho.
"We've been working with the family to establish a scholarship to remember Nick permanently at Bridgewater," the president said.
Directing the project to establish a scholarship program in Nick's honor has been Ms. Ellen Cuttle Oliver, '82, G '89, the university's Chief Development Officer, who said, "It is with a heavy heart that we share the memorial page for Nicholas Francis 'Nick' Gosselin. We invite you to read the obituary, and share your own cherished memories or photos on the tribute wall."
"Further, she added, "there is information in the obituary for those who wish to donate to the scholarship fund in Nick's name."
The address is:
Mr. Gosselin, age 29, was employed by Indonesian aviation company PT AMA, and was shot and killed on July 2nd shortly after landing at the Ipdeheik airstrip in Balinggama village, Yahukimo Regency, according to Indonesian authorities.
According to world-wide news coverage, armed separatists later attacked and burned the aircraft.
Those same media explain that PT AMA specializes in providing essential aviation services to some of Indonesia’s most remote communities, including medical evacuations, emergency response, cargo and passenger transportation, and humanitarian flights that deliver critical supplies and services to isolated villages.
According to one source:
"After graduating from Bridgewater State University in 2019, Mr. Gosselin built an impressive flying career that reflected his passion for aviation and service.
"He towed advertising banners over Cape Cod, flew skydivers in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and conducted passenger transportation missions throughout Alaska before joining PT AMA in 2024.
"During his time with the company, Mr. Gosselin helped connect remote communities to lifesaving medical care, emergency assistance, and vital supplies, flying missions in one of the world’s most challenging operating environments.
"His work touched countless lives across the Papua region," the report said.
"Indonesian military officials said security forces recovered Mr. Gosselin’s body after securing the remote airstrip.
"Brig. Gen. Riyanto, deputy commander of Habema Operations Command, said a team of 10 personnel carried out the evacuation following a rapid operation to secure the area.
"The West Papua Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, claimed responsibility for the attack in a video distributed to media outlets. In the video, rebels carrying firearms and axes raised the Morning Star flag, a symbol of Papuan independence, as they acknowledged their involvement.
"Mr. Gosselin’s death has sent shockwaves through the aviation community, particularly among those who knew him from Bridgewater State University and throughout his flying career.
"His dedication to serving remote populations through humanitarian aviation exemplified the vital role pilots play in delivering hope and essential services to communities with limited access to healthcare and transportation.
"Today, we pause to remember Nicholas F. Gosselin—not only as a skilled pilot, but as a compassionate humanitarian whose commitment to helping others carried him to some of the world’s most remote destinations.
"We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of service and dedication will not be forgotten."
In August, 2019, Ms. Heather Harris Michonski of BSU's Office of Enrollment, Marketing and Communications published a profile of Mr. Gosselin.
In it she wrote: "Little did Nick Gosselin know that his decision to attend a meeting to learn more about the Bridgewater State University flight team would lead to soaring through the Alaskan skies.
"He arrived at BSU from Newton, Connecticut to study aviation management. To immerse himself in campus life , he went to the meeting where he also learned of a summer work program in Alaska.
"He said, 'I almost didn't go, thinking I had something better to do.'
"But as life often does, a seemingly innocuous choice led to success. He ended up taking part in the program and for three summers worked for PenAir in King Salmon, Alaska, as an operations and ramp agent.
"When he was back on campus, Nick continued to build his portfolio by towing banners for a company on Cape Cod. He also began leading piloted skydiving expeditions," wrote Ms. Michonski.
"Those experiences led him to his current position as a pilot for Grant Aviation in Bethel, Alaska. His job entails flying a small-engine plane to remote villages in the state's back country. He says, 'The only way to access them is by air.' "
"Not only does he transport people but also brings groceries and supplies, and, even on occasion, kitchen sinks."
"Nick credits BSU for helping him to earn his wings and encourages others to take advantage of the many opportunities his alma mater offers," she wrote.
Nick himself says, "Coming from Connecticut I didn't know anyone in the aviation industry. I can't think of any other door that would have opened if I hadn't gone to Bridgewater State."
According to a press release from the Associated Press, "Mr. Gosselin - after accumulating thousands of flight hours - had earned the title of 'captain,' of which he was 'incredibly grateful.' "
Next edition: July 20, 2026