Minn. Native Remembered As Energetic Comedian

A Pipestone, Minnesota, native who died in a fall down the smokestack of a Chicago hotel is being remembered as an aspiring comedian who was full of energy.

Twenty-three-year-old Nick Wieme, who had been living in Chicago, was part the iO Theater, formerly known as ImprovOlympic, one of Chicago's top comedy companies.

Pastor Rod Stemme of Peace United Methodist Church in Pipestone, who's been in contact with the family, confirms Wieme's death.

His coach at iO, Matt Higbee, is remembering Wieme's "joyous energy" and "complete playfulness" on and off stage.

One of his professors at Minnesota State University Moorhead, Kyja Nelson, says Wieme was one of the funniest people she's ever met.

Wieme's parents, Bernie and Casey Wieme of Pipestone, requested privacy.