Our baby boy, gone too soon, with all the hopes and dreams we had for him.
From a young age, Matt stood out. He had a natural aptitude for music and athletics, and was curious, funny, confident, and determined. He played both tenor and alto saxophone and was a member of the Cedar Park High School marching band, who came in first in the state finals. That moment was made even more special when he shared the field with his oldest brother Sean, a student band director for a competing high school. Matt was also a talented runner and a member of the varsity cross-country team. Memories from these times, along with photos and letters from others, are kept in a wooden “memory box” that Matt’s uncle lovingly hand crafted. One favorite story told by friends involved Matt donning white, knee-high, high-heeled boots for a school video project and running in them without hesitation!
Matthew enjoyed sharing family vacations to Disney World, Costa Rica, England, and skiing in Colorado with his mom and dad, Angela, and Gavin, and older brothers, Nathan, and Sean. Matt adored his dog Dexter and also loved watching funny videos—especially those featuring hairless cats, which he would replay for the family, laughing each time as if it were the first.
Diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) before middle school, he channeled his obsessions into deep dives on topics he loved—music, sports, and art. He started seeking out music shows and concerts, and developed a passion for graffiti. Eventually, Matthew was experiencing both anxiety and depression and his topics of interest changed from music and sports to unhealthy subjects he obsessed about.
Matt was accepted into several universities, ultimately choosing Texas State University, where he planned to study psychology to help others as he had been helped with mental health issues. He registered for Fall 2024 orientation and was eager to begin this new chapter in life, but passed away from a pill laced with fentanyl before that could happen.
Matt’s less than 18-month struggle with addiction brought him shame, isolation, and distance from those who loved him. He quit showing up at family events, or eating meals with the family and was often argumentative. Fear and uncertainty gripped his family, who sought professional help for Matthew and for themselves.
“We learned as much as we could and we did what we thought was best at that time with the knowledge we had,” Angela stated. “After Matthew passed, we questioned everything…still do. But we gained a lot of understanding about the disease.” The family is crushed about Matt’s loss. They feel deeply that sharing Matt’s story is the best way to inform and educate others about the dangers of fentanyl. They seek support through local organizations and are involved with Texas Against Fentanyl. There is a criminal case pending charging the person who sold fentanyl to their son.
Angela shared, “As a family, we walk around with a piece of ourselves missing. We will never get that piece back, and it’s a very difficult adjustment as we move forward without Matt.”
Matt was vibrant, passionate, talented, and loved. He had dreams, and he had a future. His father reflects, “I miss Matt’s sarcasm, his love for his dog, hearing him play his instruments, his hugs—so very tight.”
Matthew’s parents, Gavin and Angela Wright, provided the information for this narrative.
April 2, 2006-May 2, 2024-Age 18
Portrait Artist: Shawn Faust
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
