Plaque Dedicated To Lakewood Ranch Student Killed In 2018 Crash Vandalized At Fields: MCSO

BRADENTON, FL — Detectives are seeking information about a bronze plaque damaged at the Lakewood Ranch Little League fields at 5350 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. in Bradenton, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office shared on Facebook Friday morning.

The plaque is dedicated to Lakewood Ranch High School student and clarinetist, and Little League baseball player Matthew Ryan Powers.

The 15-year-old, a sophomore, tragically died in a car crash on the way to a homecoming dance in September 2018. The driver, his friend Chase Coyner, 17, was also killed in the accident.

Coyner, driving a Honda Accord west on State Road 64, made a left turn onto Pope Road and failed to see a Dodge Ram traveling east through the intersection on Sept. 15, 2018.

In 2019, Manatee County commissioners renamed Little League Field 1 at Lakewood Ranch Park the Matthew Ryan Powers Memorial Field, according to WWSB.

Powers’ family said that he loved baseball and played wherever they moved to, despite relocating frequently with his military family.

“We can bring our kids here one day, as it’s his field named after him so we can just tell stories about my brother,” Robert Powers, Matthew’s brother, said at the time.

In October, a roundabout constructed at the intersection where the accident happened, near the Greyhawk Landing development, was named after Matthew Powers and Coyner, WWSB reported.

Dan Powers, Matthew’s father, praised Manatee County for making the intersection safer for drivers and expressed gratitude that his son’s legacy brought needed improvements to the community.

“We know that we gave him the best life we could, and he did good while he was alive,” Dan Powers said. “His passing is helping to do things and helping to save people’s lives in the long run.”

Anyone with information about the vandalism to the plaque is asked to contact MCSO at 941-747-3011. You can also submit tips anonymously to CrimeStoppers of Manatee County by calling 866-634-TIPS (8477) or online at www.ManateeCrimeStoppers.com.