Aiden's Story

Aiden Matthew was a sophomore at Smithsburg High School, where he was an honor roll student as well as a member of the soccer and track teams. In addition to his academic and athletic success, Aiden was employed at Chick-fil-a. He was an avid video gamer and loved spending time with his friends. Aiden was a jokester, always smiling and making others laugh. He could light up any room with his bright smile and dimpled cheeks. He loved fiercely and was a great friend. He idolized his big brother his entire life and often followed in his footsteps. Aiden loved nothing more than playing soccer and being on the pitch with his teammates. He was just learning to soar through the air as a first year pole vaulter. He loved all things maize and blue as he was a huge University of Michigan fan and always talked about seeing a game in the Big House. Aiden loved his pets dearly and had a special affinity for his cat Rue as she was often found either sleeping on his pillow or hanging over his shoulder as he ran through the house. He loved entertaining younger kids by chasing them around, putting together legos, jumping on the trampoline, or simply sitting on the couch and watching movies. Every night, before bed, he made sure to tell his family he loved them as they were his biggest supporters and the foundation of his ability to love so deeply.

Aiden had a profound impact on everyone he came into contact with. His dimples made frequent appearances on his cheeks as he was almost always laughing or smiling. He made sure to check on everyone, ask how they were doing, and worked hard to cheer others up who were having a difficult time. Like all teenagers, Aiden wasn’t perfect, but he was constantly evolving in ways that made him a better human. He was learning to stand strong for his beliefs even though it meant he was often in the minority among his peers. He was growing in maturity and was developing a strong interest in equality for marginalized populations. He would come home from school daily and share comments that were posted on social media and would ask, what seemed like, an infinite number of questions to try to understand various points of view while developing his own. 

Aiden was known for marching to the beat of his own drum and did so proudly and unapologetically. From his earliest days, he would dress himself and could care less if he walked out of the house in clothes that didn’t remotely match with his socks pulled up to his knees. He loved telling one-liners and dad jokes to anyone who would listen. His kindness and comedic personality were infectious and are missed by all who love him beyond measure. 

Through all of his care for others, it has become evident Aiden was struggling himself. He hid his pain from everyone until he could no longer handle it. He chose a permanent solution to a temporary problem. He was far from alone in this world, but he felt that way. Why will be a question that haunts those who loved him forever and will be a question to likely go unanswered. 

In his short 15 years of life, Aiden left a phenomenal legacy which will be carried on through the Aiden Matthew Ripple Effect Foundation. We hope all who visit the Foundation site and participate in various ways will be able to learn more about Aiden and carry a part of him with them wherever they may go.