Matthew Aaron Richard

Honoring Matt Richard

Matthew Aaron “Matt” Richard, of Lakewood, Colorado, passed away Feb. 2 in Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, as a result of a tragic rock climbing accident. He was 27 years old, a beacon of kindness, generosity and love, and he is sorely missed by everyone who knew him and whose lives he touched.

Matthew had no spouse or children, and his survivors are his father and mother, his siblings, and their respective families in his native Louisiana. The families were unexpectedly given not only the incredible sorrow of losing a cherished loved one, but also the responsibility of getting his remains from Mexico to Louisiana as quickly and as seamlessly as possible, plus settling Matthew's worldly affairs.

With the gracious assistance of medical, funeral and diplomatic agencies in both Mexico and the U.S., a four-person dispatch is overseeing the transfer of Matthew’s remains to Louisiana this week. Matthew’s mother, his brother, his stepfather and a Spanish translator are the dispatch.

It’s the first of several efforts that must be conducted in a timely fashion to formally close Matthew’s affairs and redirect focus towards the healing process his families so desperately need.

This Go Fund Me page was established by a group of Matt’s close friends and fellow outdoor recreation enthusiasts in and around Denver, where Matt resided throughout his adult years. Matt’s mother and father and their respective families are aware of, support and greatly appreciate this fundraising endeavor.

Funds raised by this effort will be used to reimburse or pay for expenditures including but not limited to:

- the group’s travel expenses to, within and from Nuevo Leon to get Matt’s remains home to Louisiana;

- Matthew’s medical and funeral expenses in Mexico and Louisiana;

- memorial services planned in Matt’s memory in Mexico, Louisiana and Colorado;

- the legal settling of Matthew’s estate and affairs as dictated by applicable law; and

- any other financial matters tied to Matthew’s affairs deemed mandatory, relevant or appropriate, legally or morally, by his legal heirs and/or their legal representatives.

Matt's Favorite Quotes:

“I’m entering in to my “oh he’s handsome” era”

“How did you get so strong after climbing for such a short amount of time?” “It’s just genetics”