Matt died Feb. 21, 2005, in Bend, Oregon, of brain cancer. He served in the National Guard from 1991-1998 where he enjoyed competing in the Biathalon. He worked for the forest service from 1995-2003 and was a Hotshot at Union, Negrito, and at Prineville.

Although he had surgery for a brain tumor in 2001, he resumed work on the Prineville crew that year and in 2002 he rookied. He enjoyed running, biking, skiing, hunting and kayaking.