This is such a shame. On behalf of the Metro Classic and all of us that have anything to do with that, we are so very sorry and want Matt's family to know how much we enjoyed his participation in the Metro. He is a great young man and a tremendous competitor. I am certain he will be missed by all who knew him well and we are all better off for having been around him.

As a drivers education instructor I hope this incident and so many others that have occurred this year in the metro area will serve to give us all pause about seatbelts. Five great young people have left us in the past two months and all five were riding or driving without seatbelts. We just can't do without all of you youngsters. You are all our hope for the future. Please buckle up and take care of yourselves. Once again our sympathies and thoughts are with Matt's family, his coaches, and his friends. We are sorry for your loss.

Randy Westfahl
Troy Hodges
Gary Ulmer and all of us with the Metro Classic

I wish to send my sympathies to Matt's family. I believe the weather played a major factor in the accident he was involved in that night. I agree Randy that everyone needs to remember to buckle up their seat belt. It could have possibly saved his life. My brother has wrestled matt on a few occasions over the years and even though he whooped my brother's butt, matt always displayed great sportsmanship and will definately be missed.

Gene Walker

Our thoughts and prayers are with Matt's family and friends. Very sad news to hear, it breaks our hearts and I can't imagine going through the pain of losing a child.

We are truly sorry for your loss,
Eric & Stephanie Akin & family

My sympathy goes out to Matt's family,I can't imagine such a tragic loss.Think I'll call and tell my kids how much I love them. Jon Elliott