Heartbreaking Loss in Lexington: High School Baseball Star Dies in Tragic Car Accident

News Summary

Lexington mourns the loss of 17-year-old Matthew Perrine, a promising junior varsity baseball player at Frederick Douglass High School, who died in a car accident. The tragic incident on April 26 involved multiple vehicles and has left the community reeling. In addition to Matthew’s death, others were injured, highlighting the impact of this event. The baseball team and community are rallying to support affected families through fundraising efforts, while crisis counselors are available for grieving students.

Heartbreaking Loss in Lexington: High School Baseball Star Dies in Tragic Car Accident

Lexington is mourning the loss of a promising young athlete, 17-year-old Matthew Perrine, a member of the junior varsity baseball team at Frederick Douglass High School. Matthew tragically lost his life in a car accident on Bryan Station Road on April 26, just two hours after the disastrous collision, which occurred around 3 p.m.

The Incident

The collision involved two vehicles—a passenger car and a pickup truck—resulting in a total of seven occupants. Among these individuals, five were juveniles. Unfortunately, Matthew did not survive the accident, which was confirmed by the Fayette County Coroner’s Office.

In addition to the heartbreak of losing Matthew, the crash left another individual with life-threatening injuries, while one person had non-life-threatening injuries and four others were reported to have “very minor” injuries. The police department’s Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating the details surrounding this tragic event.

A Beloved Team Member

Matthew was not just a high school student; he was a valued member of his baseball team and widely regarded as a beloved player. The Frederick Douglass Baseball Program has expressed heartfelt condolences, noting that he will be deeply missed. His friends and teammates are struggling to cope with the loss, awaiting a celebration of life event scheduled for the upcoming Sunday, with details to be announced soon.

Community Support and Fundraising Efforts

In the face of such sorrow, the community has come together to support the families affected by this tragedy. The Frederick Douglass baseball team has launched a GoFundMe page aimed at assisting not only Matthew’s family but also the family of another crash victim who was a close friend of Matthew. In a remarkable show of kindness, the GoFundMe page quickly gained traction, raising nearly $14,000 with over 200 donations by Monday afternoon.

Feeling the Impact Together

The impact of Matthew’s passing reverberates beyond his immediate circle. Other high school baseball teams in Lexington, including Tates Creek and Paul Laurence Dunbar, have expressed their condolences, sending prayers and support to Frederick Douglass’ baseball program during this challenging time.

Friends and Family Remember Matthew

Matthew’s brother, Mike Perrine, shared touching sentiments about their relationship, underscoring the deep bond they shared and the heartache of losing such a cherished family member. Another friend, Noah Carbajal, was with Matthew during the accident and is currently in a medically induced coma, adding to the grief experienced by friends and family. Both boys were best friends, and this unfortunate circumstance has left an entire community shaken.

Ongoing Support and Counseling

In light of this tragedy, crisis counselors have been made available on the Frederick Douglass High School campus to support students and staff grappling with their feelings in the aftermath of Matthew’s untimely death. The school community recognizes how essential it is to come together in support of one another during these difficult moments.

Legacy of a Young Athlete

Matthew was not just a player at Frederick Douglass; he also played in the Eastern Little League, where a wave of support has emerged in favor of his family. The league is encouraging others to contribute to the fundraising efforts, embracing the spirit of community and love that Matthew brought to those around him.

As tributes and heartfelt messages pour in across social media platforms, it’s clear that Matthew’s memory will continue to inspire those who knew him, reminding everyone of the importance of community, compassion, and support during life’s most challenging times.

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Additional Resources

• Lex18: Family & Friends Remember Matthew Perrine
• Kentucky.com: MLB Article
• Lex18: University of Kentucky Mourns Richie Wells Jr.
• Wikipedia: Sports in Kentucky
• Wach: Lexington Community Mourns Boy’s Death
• Google Search: Matthew Perrine
• Tennessean: Vanderbilt Baseball Series
• Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Sports
• Kentucky.com: Fayette County News
• Google News: Lexington Community Events