Amherstburg Mourns Tragic Death Of Teen Football Player

Monday November 10th, 2014, 11:49am

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Last updated: Sunday November 16th, 2:31am

Amherstburg is coming together as a community to remember a General Amherst student whose life was cut short in a tragic accident over the weekend.

Michael Matte, a senior football player for the General Amherst Bulldogs, was found dead at home on Saturday.

Amherstburg police say Matte died from carbon monoxide poisoning, based on a preliminary investigation.

Foul play is not suspected.

Police say there was no power in the residence and a small gas generator was being utilized to run electrical equipment in the garage.

Friends tell windsoriteDOTca Matte went to sleep that night and was found unresponsive the next day.

Now teammates and friends are organizing a candlelight vigil to share their love for and remember the 17-year-old.

Anyone interested in attending the vigil is asked to bring a candle and meet in front of General Amherst at 6pm this evening, Monday November 10th.

Friends say Matte’s team was undefeated in standings and are set to play their championship game this Thursday against Lajeunesse.

For more information on the vigil, visit the event page on Facebook.

Amherstburg Police are reminding the public of the dangers of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas, caused from the combustion of gas powered equipment or appliances.

When inhaled it is extremely dangerous and high levels of CO can be fatal causing death within minutes, police say.

Police say the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning include shortness of breath, mild nausea, headaches, dizziness, nausea, light-headedness, confusion, blurred vision and loss of consciousness.

Friends of Matte took to twitter to remember him:

Bulldogs, during this time we must come together for each other. You all must know I love you all & hold you so close to my heart! #ForMike
— JC (@J_Charron) November 9, 2014

Thursday, we play for him, Thursday we win for him ❤️
— Jarrod Manherz (@JManherz84) November 8, 2014

https://twitter.com/aleexturneer_/status/531491502116319233

Number 37 on the field, number 1 in our hearts, rip Mike ❤️
— Linds Leclerc (@LindseyLeclerc) November 9, 2014

https://twitter.com/DJabes23/status/531823046772805634

When I look up at the bright blue sky & see the shining sun, I know it's Mikey smiling down at us, admiring all the blue at Amherst today
— E. (@EmilyPrentice7) November 10, 2014