Former Iowa Kid Captain Nile Kron dies at 9 years old

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) - Former University of Iowa Kid Captain, Nile Kron, from Iowa City, has died.

His obituary states that he died on Tuesday from injuries suffered in an ATV accident. He was 9 years old.

Hoover Elementary in Iowa City shared that its fourth graders will wear black and gold on Friday to celebrate Nile’s love for the Hawkeyes.

The Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf shared that Nile “brought so much energy” to the camp and would be deeply missed.

His story touched the hearts of people across the country.

Nile was born premature at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital with a cleft lip, scoliosis, and with no hearing, among other serious diagnoses. He spent over 50 days in the NICU.

At a week old, Nile’s heart stopped three times during an MRI, and the team of doctors and nurses saved his life.

Over the years, he continued to undergo intensive surgeries for his spine, lip and palate, and ears.

His parents, Brittany and Rick Kron, shared that Nile was named after Iowa football legend Nile Kinnick for his ability to overcome many challenges.

He received a cochlear implant and learned how to communicate through sign language and a speech device, alongside speech therapy.

At 4 years old, he was selected to be an Ace Cares for Kids All-Star. His story was shared across 5,000 Ace Hardware stores across the United States to raise money for 150 partner hospitals.

The Ace Foundation donated $10,000 to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Nile’s honor.

When he was 6 years old, he was picked to be the honorary Kid Captain for the 2023 Cy-Hawk game.

On Friday night, Nile could be seen on the sidelines at an Iowa Valley football game, helping out the players as honorary water boy.

A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Iowa City. Mass will be the following day at 10:30 a.m. at the church.