In Loving Memory of Matthew David Kattan May 26, 2005 – June 2025 St. Cloud, Florida

It is with shattered hearts and deep sorrow that the St. Cloud community mourns the sudden and tragic passing of Matthew David Kattan, a beloved son, friend, student, and light to all who knew him. Matthew, just 20 years old, passed away in a devastating car accident this June, leaving a trail of grief across family homes, classrooms, and the countless lives he touched during his short but meaningful time on earth.

Born on May 26, 2005, Matthew was a proud graduate of Bishop Moore Catholic High School in Orlando, Florida. His time at Bishop Moore was marked by excellence, compassion, and a quiet but unwavering strength. He was a young man who didn’t seek attention, but naturally earned the admiration and respect of his peers, teachers, and coaches. Matthew’s name became synonymous with kindness and humility—traits that defined him and set him apart.

To his classmates, Matthew was more than a familiar face in the hallway—he was a friend, a confidant, and a calm presence in the often-hectic world of high school life. Friends recall his warm smile, soft-spoken encouragement, and the way he made everyone feel valued. Whether it was helping someone prepare for a test, lending a listening ear, or organizing community service initiatives, Matthew’s actions spoke louder than words.

He was active in school activities and took genuine pride in being a part of something greater than himself. Teachers describe him as a student who led not by volume, but by example. His quiet discipline, work ethic, and sincerity left an impression that far outweighed grades or accolades. His coaches echoed these sentiments, speaking of Matthew’s reliability, sportsmanship, and ability to uplift his teammates.

Outside the structured walls of school, Matthew was known for his deep loyalty to a close group of friends who were like family. Together they shared laughter, dreams, and countless memories that now take on new and bittersweet meaning. Those who loved him describe a young man with a heart of gold, someone who would drop everything to help a friend and who never turned away from someone in need.

News of Matthew’s untimely passing has sent shockwaves through both St. Cloud and the Bishop Moore Catholic High School community, sparking an outpouring of grief and remembrance. Counseling and support services have been made available to students and staff, many of whom are still grappling with the suddenness of the loss. Across social media platforms and campus bulletin boards, tributes continue to pour in: photographs, handwritten notes, candles, and messages of love fill the digital and physical spaces where Matthew once walked.

A fellow student shared, “Matthew always made you feel like you mattered, even if it was just a small moment in the day. He saw people—not just their faces, but their hearts.” This sentiment reflects the deeply personal way he connected with others—a rare and beautiful quality.

Plans are underway for a memorial service that will allow friends, classmates, faculty, and community members to gather, honor, and celebrate Matthew’s life. Organizers are committed to ensuring the service reflects who he was: simple, heartfelt, and filled with love.

In the days following his passing, the Kattan family has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. While they’ve requested privacy during this period of unimaginable grief, they are comforted by the community’s collective embrace. Prayer vigils, charitable donations in Matthew’s name, and acts of kindness have emerged as ways to honor his legacy.

In remembering Matthew David Kattan, we are reminded that life is not measured in years, but in the love we give and the lives we touch. Though his time here was brief, his impact was profound. He lived with quiet grace and left behind a powerful example of empathy, integrity, and gentle leadership.

As the community continues to mourn, they also strive to carry forward Matthew’s legacy—through compassion, kindness, and connection. His spirit will live on in every good deed, every selfless act, and in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.