Nyayom Kailech Thoat was born on July 9th, 1995, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Martha Deng and Thomas Kaylech Thoat. Nyayom passed away on August 18th, 2026, at the age of 31, in Lincoln, Nebraska, after suffering from multiple organ failure.

Her sudden passing has deeply shaken the South Sudanese community in Nebraska and across the globe, where she was widely admired for her integrity, generous spirit, and deep commitment to serving others regardless of their background.

Nyayom will be remembered for the warmth and compassion she brought to everyone around her. With her infectious laugh, dimpled smile, and outgoing spirit, she was a fiercely loyal friend who never hesitated to lend a helping hand.

From an early age, Nyayom approached life with vibrant energy and curiosity. She was an honor roll student, a gifted athlete who played soccer and basketball, and a musician who played the viola. She loved singing, dancing, and pop music, especially Harry Styles and One Direction, and had an unapologetic love for SpongeBob SquarePants. Above all, she lit up every room with her dimpled smile, infectious laugh, and genuine warmth.

Nyayom’s proudest milestone was becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college, earning her degree and becoming a Registered Nurse in 2019. She answered the call of duty with profound courage, serving on the front lines in the ICU through the COVID-19 pandemic to care for patients across Lincoln, Nebraska, and Springfield, Illinois. While her career was defined by healing, her true legacy lies in how fiercely she loved, uplifted, and connected with everyone who crossed her path.

Nyayom is survived by her parents, Martha Deng and Thomas Kaylech Thoat, and her siblings: Nyakong Liem, Tut Kailech, Nyaguich Liem, Khan Kailech, Liem Liem, Nyalok Liem, Kol Thoat, and Chiang Thoat.