Why those who knew him say remembering means more than just paying respect
Kaia Zaitz
This Saturday, students who knew and loved Matteus Thresher, former student who died in 2016, celebrate what would have been his 18th birthday. Matteus´story is well known to seniors and some juniors, but this year’s underclassmen are hardly aware of his legacy. Some remember him as a fun classmate, others as a loyal friend. Junior Dante Saliba saw him as a mentor.
“He was always there and he was always so happy, you know? It’s not the same without him.” Saliba says.
On the fifteenth of December 2016, Matteus took his life in a park near his home. The shock wave of grief surrounding his death reached not only his family, but his wrestling team, his Boy Scout troop, and his close friends at school. The reasons remain unclear, leaving little or no closure for those who still miss him.
Avery Patefield, an alum from Matteus’ year, still has pictures of him in her room. “I don’t like to really think about it too much because I literally still will cry so much.”
One thing is clear, and that is that all those affected now strive to look closer at the struggle of those around them, and hope others will do the same.
So why is it so important to remember Matteus as the years go on? Matteus’ story is a reminder to everyone that even those with the biggest smiles may need to be reached out to in times of need. It is up to students and staff alike to create a community where no student repeats the mistakes of Matteus Thresher and those who were close to him.
If you or someone you know is struggling mentally or emotionally do not hesitate to speak up. An uncomfortable conversation is better than losing a friend or family member.
Don’t know how to help? Here are some resources available to you no matter where you are.
✭National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255✭
San Diego based resource hub: Up2SD.org
Suicide Prevention Resource Center: sprc.org