Josh, 36, of Louisville, KY was born in Paducah, KY September 18th, 1987 to Scott and Carol Aycock. He passed away on April 20th, 2024.
Besides his parents, Josh is survived by the love of his life, his chocolate lab Lakota Sue, his brother Jason Young, wife Stacee and nephew Davis Young of Paducah, KY. Also surviving Josh are an uncle, Kevin Springer (Alison), cousins Lane, Mary Elizabeth and Jordon all of Benton, KY, cousins Shane and Nathan Young, uncle States (Angie) Aycock III, cousins Levi and SJ all of Kevil, KY, an aunt, Ann Aycock of Lovelaceville, KY, cousins Katie and Zack, and his dear friend Kyle Dycus of Macon, Georgia.
He was preceded in death by grandparents Cecil and Leota Springer of Paducah, KY, States and Kay Aycock of Wickliffe, KY, and aunt Rosa Mary Young of Paducah.
Josh attended Marshall County High School and was a graduate of WKCTC, studying visual communications.
Josh began his too-short but stellar career as a photojournalist at WPSD TV in Paducah, KY, then in 2019 was off to Louisville, KY to WHAS11. He joined his WAVE family in 2021, where he worked until his death.
Josh struggled with severe depression and anxiety for many years and PTSD in more recent years, due in part to the graphic nature of his work. Family and friends have reached out to our family with heartfelt words about our big, soft-hearted Josh, and we wanted to share those with you. His acts of kindness and caring ways wrote his own obituary.
Josh’s community repeated over and over how big his heart was and his shoulders so strong. Here are just a few of the things sent to us:
He was a gem of a human with the kindest of soul. Gentle and compassionate, always kind to those he interviewed. Josh knew life was hard so he treated everyone kindly and with gentle compassion and we were all better for it. Josh had a genuine love for people and a deep desire to help others. While out on assignment, Josh embraced life one day at a time and made a lasting impact on the Louisville community. His heart was one of the biggest in the world and he was always there to hold someone when they needed it most. Through the most traumatic situations, he crafted stories with thoughtfulness and consideration for the bereaved families involved, and always went the extra mile to remember those lost in a loving way. A friend to everyone and full of compassion for those who mourned. His talent, skill and level of professionalism made you want to be a better journalist. Josh was open with who he was and his zeal for life and love was felt by all who knew and loved him back. He always looked at life as something to be experienced, having nothing but great intentions, and gave freely when he could without ever asking for anything in return. Oh, that the world would see such a gentle soul on this plane. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for God for the gift of you, who showed everyone kindness and respect. May we all learn to love better, care more, and live life with your example in our hearts. Josh took time to feed the homeless, sharing his sandwich on many occasions with someone, learning about them and their struggles. He was not afraid to show his emotions, share his struggles, and lend a helping hand because in doing so, he helped himself. He was funny, left pick-me-up notes for those hurting or just feeling low. He did this in hopes he could make the day of a friend or coworker a little less difficult and with his smile make them know he cared….the tributes just poured in.
In his own words to a dear friend, Josh wrote, “Everyone is going through something that we know nothing about, so it’s our job to be kind. The world has enough ugliness, we don’t need to contribute to that. Many times God made sure that I was where I needed to be for someone in need. The only way we get through these things is by leaning on each other. Many days for the tragedy we see, there was emotional overload. It picks me up to be able to be there for someone else who is struggling. I can be strong for you and that allows me to put whatever I’m feeling behind me for someone else, and it helps me cope. I’ve seen people take very destructive paths in the wake of tragedy. Unfortunately we see too much these days. The main thing that we just have to realize that everyone is in some type of pain, especially the last three years. And no matter what our jobs are, we need to remind ourselves that we are all still human-beings and we need each other in some way at some point. Count your blessings and know that a lot of people love you, including myself. Don’t hesitate to reach out anytime my friend. God is good all the time.”
Josh’s daily prayer was for God to just get him through another day. He woke up every day fighting to be happy.
You see, society really understands so little about the crisis of mental health. Josh’s struggles were real, yet he tried to make the world around him a better place and he was worthy of happiness and peace of mind. It’s not a weakness or a moral failing, it’s a very real, potentially fatal disease and is a threat to all.
Individuals that take their own lives may suffer from chemical imbalances resistant to treatment, trauma, grief, and other psychological issues beyond their control. We need to educate people about the vigilance required to maintain our mental, so in death, Josh will save lives.
Josh’s friends and coworkers said he was cherished by them and he had taught them to better people by the example he lived. Tara Bassett, who covered the 2020 Louisville protests alongside Josh, said, “Rest in power and peace, our precious friend, you will be greatly missed.”
Josh’s chief photographer and mentor Doug Druschke, a man that Josh admired and loved like family, said, “Rest easy, my friend. We have the lens from here.”
Our sweet Josh, we knew your most precious asset, what people loved about you most: the awesome big heart you opened to all you met. We are SO PROUD of you, and you now have the peace you so deserve. God took you in His loving arms, your hardworking hands can now rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best!!!
Love you son, Momma and Dad
In life, we often cross paths with people for reasons unknown to us, sometimes only realizing the significance when it’s too late.
Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
Suicide Prevention Resources
https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources/
https://afsp.org/chapter/kentucky
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Josh's honor to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
ATTN: Michael Swyer
199 Water Street, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10038
A special celebration for Josh will be held at a later date in both Paducah and Louisville. Please note that May is Mental Health Awareness Month. You can help destigmatize this epidemic and spread awareness that there are options available, not just a permanent solution to a temporary crisis.
