Matthew Perrine, 17-Year-Old Frederick Douglass High School Student-Athlete, Tragically Dies in Head-On Collision; Lexington Community Mourns Loss of Promising Young Life
In a heartbreaking turn of events that has left an entire city grieving, 17-year-old Matthew Perrine—a standout student, beloved teammate, and cherished son—tragically lost his life in a fatal head-on collision on the morning of Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky. Perrine, a junior at Frederick Douglass High School, was a respected and admired member of the junior varsity baseball team, and his untimely death has sent shockwaves through the school and the broader community.
As students, faculty, coaches, and neighbors reel from the devastation, the name Matthew Perrine has quickly come to symbolize more than just tragedy. It now represents a beacon of dedication, kindness, and excellence—one extinguished far too soon.
The Tragic Incident
The collision occurred just after 9:00 AM on a busy thoroughfare in Lexington. According to early reports from the Lexington Police Department, Matthew Perrine was driving alone when his vehicle was involved in a head-on crash with another car. The impact of the collision was severe, and emergency responders arrived at the scene within minutes.
Despite the swift and heroic efforts by first responders and medical personnel at the scene and later at the hospital, Matthew succumbed to his injuries approximately two hours after the crash. Authorities have yet to release the name of the other driver involved, and the investigation into the precise cause of the crash remains ongoing. At the time of publication, there has been no confirmation regarding whether weather, speed, road conditions, or driver error contributed to the incident.
Police Chief Brian Tate noted in a press briefing, “Our department is working closely with crash reconstruction teams to determine what led to this tragic accident. Right now, our hearts are with Matthew’s family and the Frederick Douglass High School community. This is a loss that touches all of us.”
An Athlete of Integrity and Passion
Matthew Perrine was more than just a student; he was a young man of remarkable character and quiet strength. Those who knew him best describe a person of integrity, humility, and unwavering passion—for sports, for learning, and for uplifting others.
He had been an active member of the school’s junior varsity baseball team since his freshman year and had recently begun preparing to try out for the varsity squad in his upcoming senior year. His coaches recall a student-athlete who was not only exceptionally skilled but who led by example, encouraging younger players and earning the respect of his teammates and coaches alike.
“Matthew was the kind of player every coach dreams of,” said Coach Tom Hart, 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.”
Coach Hart paused to compose himself before adding, “There was something in Matthew that set him apart. It wasn’t just the stats—although he had those too. It was his heart. He hustled every play, never gave up, and treated the game—and his teammates—with the utmost respect.”
A Scholar with a Quiet Determination
In the classroom, Matthew was equally impressive. Known for his calm demeanor and strong work ethic, he was an honor roll student who excelled in mathematics and science. His teachers consistently praised his attentiveness and genuine curiosity, as well as his willingness to help classmates who were struggling.
Mrs. Ellen Raines, who taught Matthew in pre-calculus, shared her memories of a student who never sought the spotlight but often shone the brightest. “He was the kind of kid who came to class early, helped set up lab experiments, and tutored peers after school—without being asked. There was no ego, just a sincere desire to do good and be good.”
Matthew had recently expressed an interest in pursuing a degree in sports medicine, inspired by both his love of athletics and a desire to help others. “He told me he wanted to stay close to sports but also help athletes recover and stay healthy,” said Mr. Darren Moss, his guidance counselor. “He had dreams. Big ones. And he was laying the foundation to achieve every single one.”
A Friend to All
Though reserved in nature, Matthew was known by friends as someone who would always listen, always support, and never judge. His kindness was quiet, not flashy. He remembered birthdays, helped friends with homework, and frequently volunteered for behind-the-scenes tasks—setting up chairs before assemblies, organizing fundraising booths, and staying late after team practices to clean up equipment.
“I can’t count the number of times he picked me up when I was feeling down,” said Jordan Matthews, a fellow student and teammate. “He wasn’t loud about it. He just knew when you needed someone, and he was always that someone.”
Another classmate, Samantha Wu, shared a memory that encapsulated Matthew’s character. “Last fall, I was struggling with my family situation and couldn’t focus in class. Matthew noticed and just started offering to work with me during lunch. He didn’t ask questions or make a big deal—he just showed up. That was who he was.”
Community Support and Memorials
The outpouring of love and support following Matthew’s death has been immense. On Sunday morning, more than 400 people gathered outside Frederick Douglass High School for a candlelight vigil. Flowers, baseball caps, handwritten letters, and photos now form a growing memorial beneath the school’s entrance sign.
Principal Dr. Angela Scott addressed the crowd, fighting back tears as she remembered a student who, despite his youth, impacted so many lives.
“Matthew 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,” she said. “We are devastated, but we are also united—in grief, in love, and in honoring his legacy.”
Counselors have been made available on campus to help students and faculty process the grief. The school has also set up a “Matthew Perrine Memorial Scholarship Fund” to support student-athletes who demonstrate the same commitment to academics, sportsmanship, and community service that Matthew embodied.
The Lexington-Fayette County Public School District issued a statement expressing condolences and pledging support to the family, noting that “Matthew Perrine represented the very best of what we strive to nurture in our schools: compassion, dedication, and quiet leadership.”
Family’s Heartbreaking Statement
Matthew leaves behind his parents, John and Melissa Perrine, and two younger siblings, Abby (13) and Noah (10). In a public statement shared through their family pastor, the Perrines described their son as their “greatest blessing and brightest light.”
“There are no words that can capture the heartbreak we are experiencing,” they wrote. “Matthew was a gift. He loved fiercely, worked tirelessly, and gave generously. He was our son, our big brother, our pride—and now, our angel.”
They also thanked the community for its support and requested privacy as they prepare for the funeral service, which is scheduled for May 2, 2025, at Lexington Community Church, with a public viewing to be held the evening before.
A Legacy Etched in Hearts
In every corner of Frederick Douglass High School, there is a space that now feels emptier—a locker with no books, a desk that will remain unfilled, a spot on the baseball field that will forever be Matthew’s.
But even as students and faculty walk the halls burdened by sorrow, there is a growing determination to ensure that Matthew Perrine’s life, though short, is not forgotten. Plans are underway to retire his jersey number on the junior varsity team and to dedicate a portion of the school garden in his honor.
In the words of his teammate Eli Granger, “He was more than a player, more than a student. He was an example of how to live—not for attention or applause, but for others. That’s what we’ll carry with us.”
Conclusion: A Final Farewell
The story of Matthew Perrine is not just one of loss, but of light in darkness. In 17 years, he managed to touch more lives than many do in a lifetime. His memory will endure in the lessons he taught, the values he upheld, and the love he left behind.
As Lexington mourns a future that will never be, it also celebrates a life that, even in its brevity, was undeniably meaningful.
Matthew Perrine may be gone, but the impact of his spirit, his smile, and his unwavering kindness will forever echo in the halls of Frederick Douglass High School—and in the hearts of all who knew him.
