GoFundMe Launched For Family Of Hell's Kitchen Boy Killed In Fall

HELL'S KITCHEN, NY — An online fundraiser has been set up for the family of the 13-year-old boy who died Monday after falling from his 20th-floor apartment in Hell's Kitchen.

The GoFundMe seeks to support the parents and sister of Matthew Pierre, who fell from the balcony of his family's apartment at 400 West 43rd St., part of the Manhattan Plaza housing complex.

The fundraiser, first reported by W42ST, was organized by members of Pierre's school community, including parents, classmates and teachers, according to a note written by organizer Annie Ortiz.

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Rest in Power my handsome sweet young King! 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. 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
A post shared by STEAM Kids Lab (@steamkidslab) on Oct 19, 2020 at 8:40pm PDT

"Matthew was a sweet and loving boy ever since we met him over 7 years ago," Ortiz wrote. "We cannot imagine the hurt and pain that his family is feeling, and in an effort to support them in this most difficult time, I am asking that we all come together to show our love and support."

The boy's mother, Jeri Snead-Pierre, memorialized her son in an Instagram post Tuesday, W42ST reported.

"Rest in Power my handsome sweet young King!" she wrote. "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."

Pierre was passionate about sports, especially basketball, according to Ortiz, who wrote that Pierre's "infectious smile could light up a room and he was always a respectful, smart and talented young man."

The GoFundMe had raised more than $26,000 as of Wednesday afternoon, already surpassing its goal of $20,000.

Police said Monday they were investigating whether Pierre's fall was accidental or deliberate.