Nikolai Achhar Singh - Obituary

Nikolai Achhar Singh, 38, of Queens, NY, passed away on or around Sunday, October 20, 2024, after a long struggle with opioid addiction. Nikolai was the life of the party, known for his vibrant personality and treasured friendships, especially with his childhood friends Justin, Josh, and David. He loved riding his bike all around New York City, and particularly in Riverside Park near his childhood home. A talented cook, Nikolai took great pride in his culinary creations, whether it was a bowl of carbonara or a pear tart. His presence brought joy and laughter, and the good times with him were always filled with fun and friends. Beneath his lively exterior, Nikolai was deeply sensitive. His struggle with substances intensified after the loss of his mother in 2014. He sought the love and approval of his remaining family, and it hurt him deeply when he didn’t receive it. For Nikolai, drugs became a means to numb his emotional turmoil. Despite his addiction, Nikolai never stopped dreaming of a better life. He made several attempts to get clean, attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings and proudly carrying his sobriety coins during periods of success. He often spoke of his dreams of marriage, children, and a career in finance. Unfortunately, the desire for drugs always won in the end. The tragic irony of Nikolai's life was that the genuine relationships and love he needed were also the things that enabled his addiction. Those close to him learned that loving Nikolai often meant unintentionally contributing to his struggle. In the end, Nikolai passed away alone in his apartment. He hadn’t responded to or received any messages in ten days. It is our deepest hope that he is now free from the pain and suffering he endured. We mourn for him and the life he should have had, and we hope he is reunited with his mother and a beloved grey cat, Tulip.