Crime & Safety
High School Baseball Player From Spotswood Dies In Georgia ATV Crash: Report
Matthew J. Carlson, 16, was a student at Spotswood High School. He died on Thanksgiving.
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – A 16-year-old high school student from Spotswood died on Thanksgiving from injuries sustained in an ATV crash in Georgia, according to media reports.
The crash took place after 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23.
Matthew J. Carlson, 16, of Spotswood was driving a 2020 Can-Am Maverick X3 on private property, when he lost control and the vehicle overturned, according to the Union Recorder of Milledgeville.
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The teen was taken to Washington County Hospital in Sandersville following the crash and then flown to a hospital in Augusta due to his injuries, reported 41NBC.com.
He died at the Augusta hospital, reported MSN.
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Carlson was a student at Spotswood High School where he played basketball and lettered in varsity baseball.
“Matt enjoyed baseball from his early days of T-ball through little league to playing on the Spotswood Chargers and travel teams.,” The Carlson family said in an obituary.
The student had planned to go to Vanderbilt University and hoped to continue playing baseball.
“He had hoped to be able to go to Vanderbilt University and continue playing the game he loved and maybe move into playing professionally,” according to his obituary. “Matt enjoyed every opportunity to go fishing and jet skiing. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and football Giants.”
The teen also played for the Zoned RedHawks, a program run by the Zoned Sports Academy. The team posted a short video in memory of Carlson.
“As we look to honor his life, remember that every day is a blessing. Do today what your future self will thank you for later. Matthew we will miss you and our prayers and blessings go out to your family, friends, teammates, coaches, and everyone that was part of your journey,” the sports academy said on Facebook.
Visitation will be held Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, Manalapan Road, Spotswood. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, followed by entombment in Holy Cross Burial Park, South Brunswick, according to the obituary.
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