Matthew Kocher Memorial Page Defaced: Teen Drowned at Christian Summer Camp (VIDEO)
Matthew Kocher, 15, was on a trip to Lake Michigan with his Christian summer camp when he was overcome by a riptide and drowned. His parents were shocked to learn that a memorial page established in his honor was defaced by Internet trolls and are working to share their son's story and honor his memory.
"I was very angry right away, and then I said, 'Well, these are some dirtbags,'" Matthew's father, John, told The Chicago Tribune. "How could they possibly want to do that? How could somebody want to be so evil, so vile?"
People left comments on the page making fun of Kocher's death and posted photographs of people drowning or already dead. The family decided to take down the page that was filled with the hurtful comments and post a new one that was closed to the public and required members to be approved by Matthew's parents.
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Matthew drowned on July 27 while swimming in Lake Michigan; even though lifeguards were able to pull him from the water and performed CPR, he was still pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Hospital.
Friends and family members remember Matthew as a good example for others and a "gentle giant" who provided numerous smiles for others. A memorial page by the funeral home is filled with memories posted by those who knew Matthew and experienced his kindness.
"He was always looked up to as a leader," Trish Kiwior posted on sheehyfh.com. "He set an example of a loving Christian who had a kind word or action for the students in and out of the classroom. I was so blessed to be his third grade teacher."
"John & Kathy… we are so very sorry for your loss. Matt's memorial Mass was a beautiful celebration of his life and a reminder of all the lives that he touched. A wonderful young man with a big smile and a warm heart," added Jack O'Malley. "Matt truly was a gift from God and we are blessed that we were his friends."
Watch a video of the incident here:
