LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Frederick Douglass High School community in Lexington is reeling from the tragic loss of one of its own, 17-year-old Matthew Perrine, a student-athlete who died following a heartbreaking head-on collision over the weekend. Perrine, a beloved member of the school’s junior varsity baseball team, passed away on Saturday, April 26, just hours after the devastating accident that would forever change the lives of his family, friends, and the entire school.
The crash occurred on the morning of Saturday, April 26, when Perrine was involved in a fatal head-on collision that occurred on a busy Lexington road. Although the specifics of the crash are still under investigation, authorities have confirmed that Perrine sustained severe injuries. Despite the heroic efforts of first responders and medical personnel, the teenager succumbed to his injuries about two hours after the crash, leaving behind a grieving family, teammates, and classmates who are struggling to comprehend the loss.
Matthew Perrine was a well-known and respected figure at Frederick Douglass High School, where he had gained recognition as a dedicated student and athlete. He was an active participant in the school’s junior varsity baseball team and had become a familiar face on the field, embodying the values of hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship that the team prides itself on. His coaches and teammates remember him as a bright and motivated young man with an infectious passion for the sport.
“Matthew was the kind of player every coach dreams of,” said Coach Tom Hart, the head coach of the junior varsity baseball team. “He worked hard, he was dedicated, and he had a positive attitude that rubbed off on everyone around him. He was more than just a teammate; he was a friend, and he will be sorely missed.”
As a student, Perrine was known for his quiet demeanor and determination. He excelled in his studies, balancing the demands of academics with his commitment to athletics. Classmates described him as friendly, respectful, and someone who always sought to help others, whether in class or on the field.
“We are devastated by the loss of Matthew,” said Principal Dr. Angela Scott. “He was a wonderful student and athlete who brought so much light into our school community. His presence was felt by everyone who knew him, and we will forever remember his kindness and dedication.”
In the wake of this tragic loss, Frederick Douglass High School has rallied together to support the Perrine family and each other. Students, faculty, and staff have been coming together in various ways to honor Perrine’s memory. A memorial service is being planned for the school, where friends, teammates, and community members will gather to celebrate his life and offer their support to his grieving family.
“We are doing everything we can to support his family during this incredibly difficult time,” said Dr. Scott. “Our school is a family, and in times like this, it is more important than ever that we lean on each other for strength and comfort.”
The school’s counseling team has also been working with students who have been affected by Perrine’s death, offering emotional support and resources as they cope with the loss. Many students, particularly those who played alongside him on the baseball team, have expressed their grief on social media, posting tributes and sharing their memories of Perrine.
“It’s so hard to believe that he’s gone,” said senior baseball player Ethan Lopez. “He was always there for the team, always trying to make everyone laugh or cheer us up when things weren’t going well. He was more than a teammate—he was a brother. This loss is just so heavy for all of us.”
As the Frederick Douglass High School community comes to terms with this unimaginable tragedy, the outpouring of love and support from both local residents and beyond has been a testament to the impact Perrine had on the people around him. The Lexington community, which has seen its fair share of challenges in recent years, has united in grief, standing in solidarity with the Perrine family during this sorrowful time.
In the days following Perrine’s passing, local businesses and organizations have offered their condolences and pledged to support the family. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with funeral expenses and to provide support for Perrine’s parents during their time of mourning. The page has quickly gained traction, with people from all over the region contributing to help alleviate some of the financial burdens the family is facing.
“We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support we have received from the community,” said Matthew’s father, Michael Perrine. “It’s hard to put into words what this loss means to us, but knowing that so many people care and are standing by us means everything.”
Matthew’s death has also sparked conversations about road safety in the community. Local authorities have expressed their commitment to thoroughly investigating the crash and have reminded the public of the importance of safe driving, particularly on busy roads and during peak traffic times. In honor of Perrine’s memory, some students and families have called for increased awareness about road safety and advocated for measures that could help prevent future tragedies on the roads.
As the community mourns, the legacy of Matthew Perrine will undoubtedly live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. His untimely passing serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
Frederick Douglass High School, along with the wider Lexington community, will continue to support the Perrine family as they navigate through this incredibly difficult time. As they come together to honor his memory, Matthew’s spirit will forever remain a part of the school he loved and the team he gave his heart to.
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