“Rest in Power my handsome sweet young King!” wrote Jeri Snead-Pierre about her son Matthew, 13, who was found dead after a fall early yesterday morning at Manhattan Plaza on W43rd Street and 9th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen.
“It is with deep sadness The Pierre family, and the HK community the tragic loss of our beloved son Matthew. Thank you all who have been supportive, praying and crying with us'” she continued. “We love you and appreciate you. We will definitely need you going forward as the road ahead without him will be tough. He always was positive and loving. We will NEVER FORGET YOU! #motherslove June 19, 2007- October 19, 2020.”
Matthew’s mother posted pictures of her son on Instagram overnight, saying he was a “Lovable, happy kid, dog lover,” and adding “We miss you a ton buddy.” Snead-Pierre is an actor and entrepreneur. She is the founder of the STEAM Kids Lab.
There has been an outpouring of grief from Manhattan Plaza residents, including Tenant President Aleta LaFargue, who said on Instagram: “Today our community tragically lost one of our precious children. We have faced so many hardships this year but this one puts everything in perspective, reminding us of how important we all are to each other and to never take anything for granted. Our hearts are broken. I know you are surrounded by angels little one. We will hold this space with love.”
Last night, the Manhattan Plaza community gathered for a candlelight vigil in the playground of the building. Residents sang “Amazing Grace” during the vigil which was attended by over well over 100 neighbors, including many teenage friends of Matthew.
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your tragic loss of Matthew. May God be with you in this darkest of time. Matthew will guide you.
I am so, so sorry Ms. Snead-Pierre for the loss of your wonderful son, Matthew. Though it is so inadequate, and cannot begin to comprehend the grief you and all of Matthew’s loved ones must be in, I am wishing you all comfort and support, and know you are loved and being prayed for daily and always.
I am so sorry for your loss. He is an angel in heaven. My husband Matthew Carnino live in the 484 building and were saddened to hear this devastating news. Our deepest sympathy. Charles Gomez
My Sincerest condolences to the Snead-Pierre family. Praying for you and your family.
Our heart breaks for you. What a sparkling child.
Jeri…we have gone through a lot all these years but this is so hard to comprehend. My heart breaks for you, Edwin, Nyla & Bambi.
I am so happy to see the outpouring of love and support for you all. I am here 24 hours a day for yall.
A dear friend, who I knew in NJ, shared this devastating news, who is now a neighbor of yours. Sending your family my deepest sympathy, love, and comfort. God bless Matthew in Heaven, always. He will watch over you and comfort you all every day. What an amazing young man. <3 <3 <3
My heart broke for you and your family, Ms. Snead-Pierre, when I learned the tragic news about Matthew. I will lift you up in my prayers; and will continue to as I consider the depth of the grief and hurt that you are, and will be, experiencing. My sincere sympathy is with you.
You and Matthew have been on my mind and heart since I first read your story. My hope and prayer for you, your family, and extended tribe is that—as gentle as angel wings, and as quiet as night—peace will enter your hearts. And my
prayer for your beloved son is, “Fly with joy, Matthew; fly with joy””