It is with heavy hearts we report the passing of little Matthew Offers, who we first blogged about a week ago after a visit from one of his idols, Coach Urban Meyer. Matthew had been battling a heart defect since his birth. he was just nine years old. Matthew's mother Heather, posted on the family's "Matthew Strong" Facebook page the following-"
"It is with a heavy heart that I announce that my precious little boy Matthew Alex Offers Jr. went to be with our lord at 5:28 this evening," said Heather. "While our hearts are broken, we know he is free of pain, his heart is now whole, and he is no longer a prisoner in his own body. Rest easy my brave little hero. Mommy and Daddy love you and we will continue your legacy for you."
Matthew passed away just two days after his ninth birthday. His story quickly spread two weeks ago after word got out from a post the family made about Coach Meyer & his wife Shelley coming to visit Matthew on game day against Rutgers. Urban had made previous contact with the little boy through Facetime during the holidays the past two years, but this time, it was extra special.
When father Matthew thanked Urban for his generosity, Urban told him to stop.
Urban said to Matthew, "I should be thanking you too (for being able to) see my little buddy Matt." And then Urban did something no one saw coming, he offered up his suite at Ohio Stadium to Matthew's parents to enjoy the Rutgers game later that day.
Many have wondered what Urban Meyer did during his suspension from the first 3 games of the season. We now know at least moment he spent on Game Day helping make a dream wish come true for the smallest & sickest Buckeye Fan. We should note that Urban NEVER published or mentioned what he did for this little Buckeye and his family. That's the Urban Meyer...
All of us at iHeartmedia want to extend our deepest love, thoughts and prayers to the Offers family with the loss of little Matthew. While this story didn't have a happy ending, it leaves us all wanting to do more, help more, and for Urban, I would imagine there's a special place in his heart for little Matthew as he gets back to work this week coaching The Ohio State Buckeyes. God Speed little Matthew, and thank you for inspiring us all.
Boxer