Ive had this on the back of my mind for the past couple months since i found out about Matthews death. I met him at the smith haven mall in the store newberry comics in 2022 when i was 13 (cant remember exact date), i was at the manga section where he came up to me and asked if he could interview me for his youtube channel. At the time i got a werid vibe from him (with all due respect) but i went through with it. I cant recall what he asked but afterwards he gave me his instagram and youtube channel and we parted ways. I went on his instagram later at night and sent him a message asking about the video, he didn’t respond . I went on his channel later that night and saw the video, I thought it was pretty cool. From what i remember he was a big fan of Earthbound and Kanye, I also listened to his playlists. Years went by, i forgot about the whole thing until around December 2025, Im 16 now in my junior year of high school, I was on my vr headset and i went through my instagram dms when i saw the message i sent to matthew. it was still on delivered and i got curious so i went on his instagram page. i saw the bio had said he passed away the year before. i clicked on the link and read the whole thing. I didnt know he was going through issues, to me he seemed like a rather outgoing person with a passion for video games and anime. I been meaning to wirte this experience because i wanted this story to be shared about Matthew, even though i didnt know him personally im sure he was an amazing and joyful person. I hope you he rests peacefully and with his family to be at peace. Best wishes for everyone and rest easily Matthew.

pals for halloween

AP Spanish Class

Matthew had a big heart and big dreams. I cherish the simple moments where he would trust his friends with his closest desires and dreams.  He would sit with me when he could tell something was off and talk with me. He was loved by friends and shared that back always.

I am beyond sorry and saddened for the loss of your Mathew . I admire the courage and strength and the love your family has shown for each other and for Matthew. 

I met Matthew through a mutual friend at Syracuse. Despite always being busy, he made time to hang out with us. Whether that was going to get food, going on a night drive, or just staying in and watching tv, he was there. I remember one night we challenged ourselves to an all-nighter, where we had a drawing contest, watched paranormal youtube videos, and just talked. When I was stressed for my finals, he came over and personally tutored me in physics. He brightened my semester when I was extremely academically stressed. I'm grateful for the time I got to know him and experience his kindness firsthand. 

I met Matthew through Joe while at Syracuse. For many of my memories of my time, I remember studying and I remember all the things we did to break that monotony. Whether it was through celebrations, or Twitch, or even just the small seemingly meaningless conversations interspersed throughout the days, I remember one constant. For the time that I knew Matthew, I remember him living and in the truest sense, thriving. I remember the panic of DPS coming to quiet down a party, I remember listening to the Earthbound soundtrack on vinyl, I remember joining him in playing games while he streamed. But more than that, I remember the short conversations we had on the five minute South Campus Bus rides to and from campus, of meaningless things like my music taste and the trolley, and of some of the most important things like our dreams.  I miss those conversations, and I miss you friend.

Orchestra Seniors photo at Six Flags ❣️ When I think of Matt, I’ll always remember him as the sweet, funny, gentle kid in this photo 💙 condolences to the family and all who loved Matt in his life

Matthew was one of my first friends in high school, and I'm so lucky to have known him. I remember having fires at my house and listening to music, and just talking about life. We never really could figure out the meaning behind it all, and that was the best part. Love you Matt, I'll carry your spirit of curiosity and kindness with me for the rest of my life.

My favorite memory of Matthew comes back from April 2022. It was one of the first truly nice days of the spring up in Syracuse, which tends to be a pretty monumental day considering how few and far between good weather can be up there.  For whatever reason though, I found myself stuck inside, not taking advantage of the fantastic weather. That was until Matt appeared at the apartment, riding a rental electric bike, and invited my roommates and friends across the way outside. Suddenly I found myself outside with everyone, all taking turns riding the bike around the parking lot outside our apartment, laughing, taking in the beautiful day, and forming what I know carry as core memory that I’ll never forget. That day ended up being so much more than I ever would have expected, and I owe it to Matt for bringing his light and creating a truly perfect moment I constantly find myself looking back on. He’ll be deeply missed. 

My daughters went to school with Matt and Joe and as a parent my heart is broken. We send our love and hope your family can withstand this heartbreak and stay strong. This is just so so sad - mental illness is very real and all of us need to be more aware and sensitive to this crisis. My heart breaks for your family. 

Everyone saying bye at the end of our annual Catskills trip last summer

A quick visit to Cedar Beach to watch the sunset ☀️ — with Jessica Zoll