Wednesday, June 10, 2009

RIP Matt Edmonds

My friend Matt Edmonds (Reggie to his friends) died yesterday, when the bike he was riding was struck by a drunk driver near Sand Springs, Oklahoma. He, and a friend (Christa Voss) were killed in the accident, and another friend (John Moore) was also inured was treated and later released from the hospital.

I met Matt at the University of Arkansas while he worked on his masters degree in geology and I was an undergrad. He was a devoted cyclist and participated in may competitions over the years. Matt was a great geologist who always had a smile on his face and a friendly word to all. Matt is survived by his parents, sibling and dog, Stella. He will be missed!

Here is a link to a great article about Matt.

© ReBecca K. Hunt-Foster

10 comments:

Lockwood said...

My condolences. Incidents like this infuriate me, but it sometimes takes a reminder like this to alert me that those involved- family, friends, and loved ones- are suffering sadness and loss. That anger might not be the best response.

Three Ninjas said...

I'm sorry to hear this. My condolences. :(

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about your friend. We had something like this happen to one of the Olympic cycling champions several years ago in Norfolk, England. He was only doing his time trial runs on a flat, long highway and a semi-trailer sideswiped him. He didn't stand a chance. Cycling is a great sport, but sharing anything with cars and semis is a dangerous mix I'm afraid. RIP him and his friend. Your Aunt Jana

Unknown said...

I just learned about this sad tragedy today. I am so sorry for everyone---his family most of all. We will all have to honor his memory in positive ways. That is what he would want. Don't make this tragic accident the definition of his life. He was a wonderful young man and I enjoyed the interactions we shared while he was completing his masters degree at the University of Arkansas. It is truly a sad loss of a wonderful young man.

Richard W. said...

I had read about this accident in the paper and just this evening saw that Matt was one of the killed. Matt and I worked together for the same geotechnical engineering firm back in 2000 before he went back to grad school. I enjoyed working with him and he was definitely a good guy. We shared many laughs and I'm very sorry to hear this happened to him. DUI- so senseless......

dz said...

I am so sad about this. Condolences to you and his other friends and family. Matt was a great guy--I made his breakfast almost every day at the coffee shop he frequented. His kindness struck me--he never did anything out of the ordinary but he just had...I don't know, a good vibe or something! Sounds silly. I didn't realize until he was gone how much seeing him just a couple minutes a day brightened my mood. He is missed.

ReBecca Hunt-Foster said...

In lieu of flowers for today's funeral, donations have been requested for the "Matthew Edmonds Memorial Fund" at Arvest Bank, #46258489. Donations can be made at any time and at any Arvest Bank.

Pete said...

I went to high school with Matt in Van Buren. Several of our old classmates have heard the news of his death and are deeply saddened. Our condolences to all of the friends he has made since school and to his family.

Erin Steeley said...

I just came across your blog post, and I am so sorry for your loss. Christa was my best friend and the first I ever had. My heart wrenches each time I think about what her family and friends and those of Matt are going through. I am thankful to him for being a good friend to her. But be sure, they won't be forgotten. Period. Christa and Matt both impacted so many lives. I was overjoyed to see so many people turn out for her funeral. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Matt, but he looks like a wonderful man. Please have the peace that they are not suffering and are remembered. Thank you for your post, it reminded me of how precious life is.

ReBecca Hunt-Foster said...

Thank you for your comments everyone. It is always comforting to hear from others who are sharing in this sad situation. Matt's sister has let us know that the Preliminary Trial has been bumped to Dec 3. Supposedly an administrative error.