A number of people have inquired into some of the details regarding the accident that killed Matty Molnar and Jared Cheek. Some of the things people are asking have to do with the site of the crash itself, so I thought people might like to see a few pictures to help answer their questions. The autumn leaves will soon cover the site, but this place where Matty entered eternity will always remain a well-known place of prayer for me.
The car veered off the road to the left here. The two visible stripes in the grass were made from the front and read driver’s side tires. The car appears to have been skidding such that the tires are not lined up. The blue thing is a little memorial (see below). Just beyond the memorial you can see two trees with the bark scraped off which is where the car collided.
Here is a view closer up. The tracks for the passenger side wheels are not as visible but they run basically right where the memorial is. The damaged trees are again visible.
Here is a view of the site from further away. You can see the blue memorial in the distance. The markers on the pavement were made by the police and indicate the projected path of the vehicle.
This is the little memorial that sprang up at the site. It’s made of pieces of the car, some candles, and a crucifix.
Speaking of memorials, here is one of our bulletin boards at the seminary. It’s filled with cards and letters of condolence that we have received. Many are from bishops and other seminaries. We truly appreciate all those who have been praying for us during this difficult time.
Here is my own little memorial that I made with the statue of Our Lady that sits outside the door of my room. Rest in peace Matty and Jared. May Mary hold you in her gentle arms.
7 comments
Thank you for the pictures. I have so many unanswered questions about how and why Matty died… I imagine everyone is mourning and having the same questions. You left a comment on Matty’s xanga site about the Chicago newspaper interested in doing a story on Matty’s blog – can you keep me updated or post it on his site if they write an article on it? It’s so comforting to know that his work isn’t finished yet.Thank you! Take care, Lauren
Thank you.
Thank you so much for letting us know more of the story. It’s comforting to see the memorial at the accident site and also all of the letters from alummni and bishops. What a miracle to be able to touch people’s lives beyond death. Matty and Jerod’s work is still continuing, through testimony to faith. Thank you.
Thankyou… God Bless you and your brothers in Chicago.
Totus Tuus Mariam,Andrew Jaeger
Thank you Shawn. I have so many questions and not enough answers. The pictures you have posted here help me to see where Matty’s beautiful life ended. I have wondered what the spot looked like. Thank you and all of Matty’s seminarian brothers, friends and teachers for the support and kindness that they have extended to Jason, Richard and myself. God Bless you.
Thank you for the photos.
It must have been really diffiuclt the first few days, i remember when my english teacher pasted away at school, the next day no one wanted to do anything, let alone talk!!!! the halls were dead silent and tears on everyone’s cheaks!!!!! the entire school in mouring!!!!! it was hard to function that day i know. But the memories filled the chalkbords and the monkey wrench on the desk and the golf club on the ledge of the chalk bord. those were items that helped us remember him the best and lets not forget the Santa hat that he would wear.
I’m sharing that with you becuase of the fact I know what its like to loose someone specail in your life. The little items are the things that keep the memories flowing.