Matthew Sims Hannibal MO: matthew sims obituary

Publish date: 2024-06-06

A 31-year-old Hannibal High School and Northern Illinois University graduate passed away in a deadly car crash that injured another person Friday morning in Hannibal, MO. Matthew Sims died in the vehicle accident that happened in the area of Route MM westbound. Law enforcement agencies were called to the scene at approximately 11:37 A.M.

Fatal Car Accident Details

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Matthew was travelling in a 2022 Winnebago when he attempted to speed past another vehicle and struck a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. According to investigators, the driver of the Jeep identified as Tyler J. White was lifeflighted to the University Hospital in Columbia, Mo with non-life-threatening injuries.

Matthew Sims was rushed to Hannibal Regional Hospital where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 1 P.M. According to investigators, the driver of the Jeep was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

Matthew Sims' Early Life and Education

Matthew was born Nov. 8, 1991 in Hannibal, Mo. He graduated from Hannibal High School, where he was a star on the football and track teams for the Pirates and was named to the all-state teams in both sports.

He was also really into ice hockey, which he played with tremendous skill and energy. Matthew continued his studies at Northern Illinois University and became the starting placekicker for the Huskies football team. For three consecutive years, he was named to the all-conference team.

Football Career Highlights

During his time at NIU, Matthew made a big difference on the field. The most important year for him was 2013, when he helped lead the Huskies to the Orange Bowl. Matthew's life was really shaped by his love of sports.

As a high school player, he set records for most points scored by a kicker and most field goals in a season. At NIU, Matthew holds the school record for longest field goal at 57 yards.

His consistency and leg strength made him an all-conference selection year after year. Matthew's 53-yard field goal in the closing seconds against Kent State in 2013 helped NIU clinch a BCS bowl game appearance.

More Than Just Sports

While football and athletics were a huge part of Matthew's identity, he was known as a kind and caring person off the field. He volunteered coaching local youth sports leagues and participated in community service projects. Friends say Matthew's spirit and work ethic extended beyond sports.

Matthew's passion for helping others led him to pursue a career as a high school teacher and coach after graduation. Though his life ended tragically early, Matthew touched many lives in a positive way as a mentor, friend and teammate.

Conclusion

The Hannibal community is mourning the loss of one of its native sons. Matthew Sims, 31, died Friday morning in a two-vehicle crash on Route MM west of Hannibal. Matthew was a local sports star who went on to accomplish great things as a college athlete at NIU. More importantly, he is remembered as someone who cared about people and service. Matthew Sims' obituary and funeral arrangements will be released by the family in the coming days. The community will deeply feel this tragic loss of life.