Matt Byars Cause Of Death, What Happened To Matt Byars? How Did Matt Byars Die?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Jul 21, 2023
Matt Byars Cause Of Death
Tragedy struck the Michigan State baseball community as former player Matt Byars passed away in a sorrowful rock climbing accident in Colorado, as officially announced by the university on Thursday. At just 27 years old, his untimely demise has left everyone in grief.
In response to this heart-wrenching news, Michigan State coach Jake Boss Jr. expressed his condolences to the Byars family through a press release. He fondly remembered Matt as a coach's delight, whose vibrant personality enriched both the team's on-field performances and off-field camaraderie.
Before joining the Spartans, Byars had honed his skills at Heartland Community College in Illinois for two seasons. During his tenure at Michigan State from 2016 to 2017, he showcased remarkable talent as a catcher, participating in 102 games and achieving an impressive batting average of .278. His accomplishments included 30 doubles, three triples, eight home runs, and 51 RBIs.
The initial season with the Spartans saw Byars proving his mettle, throwing out 12 baserunners and receiving the team's defensive MVP accolade. Although he was selected by the Twins in the 24th round of the 2016 MLB draft, Byars chose to return for his senior season at Michigan State. His decision proved fruitful as he contributed significantly with a .271 batting average, 14 doubles, four home runs, and 25 RBIs.
Behind this outstanding athlete were his parents, Jeff and Christine Byars, mourning the loss of their beloved son. The entire Michigan State baseball community remains deeply saddened by this profound loss and stands united in offering their thoughts and prayers to the grieving Byars family. Matt Byars' indomitable spirit and remarkable contributions to the sport will forever be cherished and remembered.
What Happened To Matt Byars?
Tuesday marked a somber day for the Michigan State baseball community as they mourned the passing of their former player, Matt Byars. Head coach Jake Boss Jr. expressed their collective grief, saying, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Byars family. Matt was a joy to coach, and his charismatic persona left an indelible mark on our program, both on and off the field. We are heartbroken by the tragic rock climbing accident that took him away from us in Colorado."
During his time at MSU from 2016-17, Byars earned recognition as a two-year letter winner. In 2016, he was honored with the Danny Litwhiler Defensive Player of the Year award for his exceptional performance, throwing out 12 runners during the season and leading the Big Ten in conference-only stats with an impressive tally of 11 doubles in B1G play.
Although the Minnesota Twins selected him in the 24th round (No. 723 overall) of the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft, Byars chose to return for his senior season at MSU, showing dedication and loyalty to the team. In 2017, he demonstrated his skills as a catcher, starting in 47 games while overcoming injuries that caused him to miss five games.
Still, he managed to maintain a prominent position among the team and conference leaders with an impressive 14 doubles for the season. His defensive prowess was also evident, as he successfully threw out 12 base stealers, securing a tied fourth-place ranking in the B1G overall.
Prior to his time at MSU, Byars had spent two seasons at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois. Hailing from Lodi, Wisconsin, he had already made his mark in baseball during his high school years at Lodi High School, where he was a four-year letter winner. His exceptional skills played a pivotal role in leading Lodi to victory in the Division II state championship during his senior season. Beyond baseball, he also earned a letter in wrestling.
Matt Byars' untimely passing has left a void in the hearts of many, including his loving parents, Jeff and Christine Byars. His legacy as a talented athlete and a cherished individual will forever remain in the memories of those who knew and admired him.
How Did Matt Byars Die?
Thursday and Friday witnessed the heart-wrenching loss of three young lives in separate traffic incidents, leaving a deep sense of sorrow in their wake. One tragic accident involved a motorcycle colliding with a tractor-trailer, claiming the lives of 22-year-old Shawn Patrick Clayton from Moore and 19-year-old Shannon Humphrey from Byars, both riding the ill-fated motorcycle.
According to Lieutenant Gerald Davidson of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Clayton was traveling northbound on Interstate 35 when the collision occurred. As he was exiting onto the SE 82 off-ramp, the motorcycle collided with the back right section of a stationary tractor-trailer. Tragically, Clayton, who wasn't wearing a helmet, succumbed to his injuries at the accident site.
Humphrey, wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, suffered serious injuries and was swiftly transported to Hillcrest Health Center. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, she couldn't overcome her injuries, marking a devastating loss for those who knew her. Shannon Humphrey was renowned for her athletic prowess, particularly in baseball, where she showcased exceptional skills and talent, achieving an impressive batting average of .271 and driving in 25 runs. Her absence leaves a void on the playing field and a void in the hearts of her teammates and loved ones.
Another young life was taken tragically on Thursday in an automobile accident on State Highway 9 in Norman. The victim of this dreadful event was identified as 20-year-old Matthew James Bauman from Maplewood, Minnesota. While not all the details surrounding the tragedy have been disclosed, the somber statements from the Norman police department underscore the sorrowful nature of the incident.
Matthew Bauman was an exceptional student known for his unwavering dedication to education at the University of Oklahoma. He had previously excelled in both basketball and baseball while attending Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois. His passion and enthusiasm for sports and academics were evident in the achievements he earned on the field and in the classroom during his time at Lodi High School in Wisconsin.
The loss of these vibrant and promising young lives has left their families, friends, and communities devastated. As we mourn their untimely departure, let us cherish their memories and celebrate the legacies they leave behind. May their souls rest in peace.
Matt Byars Cause Of Death - FAQs
Matt Byars' cause of death was a tragic rock climbing accident in Colorado.
The accident occurred in Colorado, and Matt Byars passed away on a Tuesday.
Yes, before joining Michigan State's baseball team, Matt Byars spent two seasons playing at Heartland Community College in Illinois.
Matt Byars was 27 years old when he tragically lost his life.
Yes, during his time at Michigan State (2016-17), Matt Byars was a two-year letterwinner, with notable stats like 30 doubles, three triples, eight home runs, and 51 RBIs.