On the morning of April 19th, Matt King was hit by a utility truck while he was riding his bike on Main Street. He passed away on his way to the hospital.
Matt had been a member of our gym since January and was considered a big part of our family. Matt battled every single workout like a champion. I’ve never seen anyone push so hard and achieve so much in such a little time. I’m sure things were the same outside the gym. Matt will be greatly missed in our gym. When I think about Matt, his flying red hair, his awesome grunting and his “I’m going to give this workout everything I’ve got” attitude come to mind. Matt, our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Thank you for sharing your love of life with us and showing us how to be the best we can, no matter where we are.
Hero Workout “Matt King” 4/20/10
- Run 400 Meters
- Row 1000 Meters
- 19 Chest to Bar Pullups
- 19 Sandbag Walking Lunges
- 19 Sandbag Front Squats
- 19 Sandbag Back Squats
- 19 Burpees
- Row 1000 Meters
- Run 400 Meters
We’ll be doing this workout in your honor in future years and tomorrow.
Matt had just turned 23, he was a good student in the math department, hilarious to boot, very devoted and committed to anything he took on in life. A life with a future that seemed promising and bright. He was a swing dancer, a singer, a Christian, an athlete, and funny guy, and most of all someone who left a positive impact on everyone he met. Life is so fragile and it really sucks that tragedies like this are what remind us of that. And now the world is without the wonderful like of Matt, and his parents are without a loving son.
There is a vigil Friday at 5pm at West Main restaurant.
23:25, 10 regular PUs, 32# Went ahead and did the last 9 PUs post WOD.
I had sent his parents a condolence message as well as a link to this WOD, since it has so many wonderful recent pictures of Matt in his Crossfit Element as well as amazing comments from his Crossfit Family. His mother responded today with “I actually went to the site and am amazed by the wonderful comments that were posted. Thank you for remembering my wonderful amazing son!” And he was wonderful and amazing, and will always be remembered.
Thank you all for being a great Crossfit Family. Seeing you all today was a huge comfort.
Also… we knew him as an athlete. Though he occasionally showed off his mad dancing skills in the gym (such a team player!) and silly side, we never really got to see it in its full glory. Here is a video from when he was at Clemson (it even mentions Calculus… and I think at one point Matt is a hamburger?). Enjoy: http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=-6433158685097909071&hl=en&fs=true
We will feel the loss of Matt for a long time. In the very short time I knew him, I saw a joyful, full of life guy. Clearly a good life was cut way too short. My heart goes out to his dearest friends and family, surely devastated. How honored we all are to have shared one of his last full days at the Tug for the Town where he played with all heart! -would have liked to know him longer.
I didn’t know Matt well, but I guess I assumed I would get to know him better since we were both at the gym so often. It is hard to accept that the person I saw cracking jokes and performing amazing physical feats on a regular basis is gone. He was an exceptional person and I’m very sad.
23:??, 24#
So well said and my thoughts exactly.
I really admire that he could be such a funny, nice guy and also a serious athlete who gave everything and never complained. Never heard the “but I hate doing that movement” or “my blank hurts” that tends to emit from my general direction. Inspiring.
You always had such a kind demeanor. You were definitely a leader among your peers at Crossfit, we were impressed and inspired by your strength and energy. I will miss your smile. Rest in peace and may your friends and family be comforted in the wonderful memories of your life.
Matt King Memorial WOD; 23:26
I loved working out with Matt. He always had such a cheerful disposition and a positive attitude about everything. Quitting was never an option. He inspired those around him to work harder. Such a young and beautiful person to be taken so soon. We’ll all feel the loss. Matt, you will be truly missed by all your friends at CrossFit.
Matt inspired me to give 100% even when i felt i had nothing left. He was a true inspiration of “letting it all hang out”. i will miss him dearly. i’m shocked and extremely saddended to have to say goodbye so early… My heart and thoughts go out to his family. We will miss you, Matt…
This is such a great tribute to a guy who appears to be absolutely brimming with life. As a cyclist, a community member, a wannabee athlete, and a human being–I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a vibrant soul.
Matt exuded positivity, kindness, good humor, determination. I could go on and on. I loved working out with him beacuse he had an attitude that was inspiring and if I wanted to quit I would look at him working his way through and just know I couldn’t. I am so saddened by this and Matt will be greatly missed by all of us who knew him. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
It’s good we’re doing chest-to-bar pull-ups. He was always trying to figure those out. It’s too damn bad, really. He was a good guy. Without a doubt he’ll be missed.
Matt, you always had a smile on your face, and you never gave anything less than 100%. You will be missed.
Matt King Memorial WOD; 22:33
For Matt: 18:54 JPUs, 32#
For Matt: 20:04, JPUs, 32#
Unfortunately I never really worked out with Matt, but I did attend the nutrition challenge initial meeting where Kyle asked Matt to calculate some dietary unit division. Matt blinked the computation, replying right away with the cleanly rounded off answer.
For Matt: 18:36. Scaled to the best of my shoulder abilities. I will really miss you, buddy.
For Matt: 20:35 rx @ 52#. We’re gonna miss you.
18:44 52#
For Matt: 22:19, scaled to 5 semi-strict chin ups, 28# sandbag
This was was a physically and mentally tough WOD. I’ll miss your never give up attitude, Matt. The last 20 yard sprint was for you.
Friendly competition since day 1 of On Ramp….
This one was for you Matt: 21:24, RB pu, 32#.
For the short time I knew you, you were a great friend. I’m really gonna miss you!
For you, Matt: 22:21, bbpu, 32#
my memories of you will comfort until we meet again friend.
Speechless…Matt always had a smile on his face and was always eager for a new challenge in the gym. He was a very gifted athelete with a humble attitude. I miss you buddy!!!
18:20 52# Rx.
Matt was a tutor and SI leader for 3 years at the Clemson University Academic Success Center- an treasured member of our Clemson Family. He approached that position like everything he did- with passion and dedication. He touched thousands of young lives while with us. He will be missed.
Guy w/ megaphone at Tug for the Town: …And for the men’s championship, The Tuggernauts versus …
Matt: Tuggernaut.
Guy w/ megaphone at Tug for the Town: What?
Matt: Tuggernaut. Not Tuggernauts. We’re the Tuggernaut. There’s no “s”.
Guy w/ megaphone at Tug for the Town: Oh. The Tuggernaut and …
(I put my fist out – Matt pounds it)
20:31 Rx’d
Good story. Thanks for sharing.
WOD: 19:10 #32 (kipping pullups instead of C2B)
For the short time I knew you, you were a great workout partner who shared our obsession with all things crossfit. You will be missed.
30:30 (C2B, 42#) and a productive break before the last run
i didn’t know Matt very well but in his short time as a member I could always count on him being there to push through every workout
Your battle was epic justin!!! inspired me becuase it was what the WOD was all about! Nice work man!!
22:23 Rx’d
Workout was tough like the man.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
-Be at Peace
23:??, 32#, thought about Matt the whole time, and I swear he’s the only reason I made it through the last 400m run. Totally miss you.
24:52 80#
I only had the fortune to converse with Matt a few occasions. But, from what I’ve read in the comments and heard in the news, he definitely touched a lot of people. I am definitely saddened about the loss and am keeping Matt, his family and his friends in my prayers.
Matt King Memorial WOD: 21:20 32# (RB/ turned to BB)
No matter the mood, no matter the day, Matt always put a smile on anyone’s face. Made the WOD’s a little bit easier to push through!
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
20:19 rx 52#
For Matt: 25:35. gbpu, 32# sb
I will miss Matt’s smile, dancing and intensity in the midst of Crossfit workouts. He was constantly pushing himself and others to do the best they could. I will cherish the moments we were able to share with him -especially the Tug Of War practices and the beautiful day of competion.
Matt WOD 22:29
Praying for the Family and Friends of Matt.
Matt 22:29-30
29Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
God Bless
19:35 @ 42lbs, inspired by Matt’s unparalleled dedication and drive. Thoughts and prayers to all family and friends. You will be missed.
Just saw this on the mainsite message boards…
God Bless to Matt’s family and CF Charlottesville…
You are a beautiful soul who will be dearly missed, may God shelter you in his arms now. My prayers go out to all of Matt’s family and friends.
I had a few classes and several group assignments with Matt my freshman year at Clemson. I did not actually get to know him though until our Jr. year when I noticed this crazy red haired guy at the rec doing snatches and all other manner of lifts that are normally unseen in college weight rooms. It’s hard to say that I’ve ever met anyone as friendly or as genuinely concerned for other people as Matt was. He was an awesome human being and his impact is immeasurably vast.
Rest in peace, Matt.
We posted this today:
http://www.ghostbikes.org/charlottesville/matt-king
very sorry for your loss
-nyc street memorial project
http://www.ghostbikes.org