The Leafs Nation team is heartbroken to share the shocking and tragic news of the passing of Matthew Rodrigopulle.
Matthew joined our team in 2020 while finishing up his degree at then Ryerson University, now Toronto Metropolitan University, and we were privileged to have here for over a year before he went on to pursue one of his career goals of being on air journalist, which he did for Global Regina.
It was great to see Matthew to continue to rep the Leafs out west
Got to do something super cool today, got to rapel 260 feet down to support @EasterSeals!
Had so much fun and honestly would do it again in a heartbeat. Check Easter Seals out and donate if you can!
My story for @GlobalRegina ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/8hHATuxEgH
— Matthew Rodrigopulle (@Matt_Rodrigo_) August 28, 2022
had to bring some of the passion™️ into work 😩💯 the jersey stays until the end of the series 😤 pic.twitter.com/pleXJvymtd
— Matthew Rodrigopulle (@Matt_Rodrigo_) May 11, 2022
A number of Matthew’s TLN colleagues and peers from around the hockey world have shared their condolences:
Absolutely gutted to learn of the passing of Matthew Rodrigopulle. A kind, bright young man who I was fortunate to interact with for a short time @TLNdc.
I don’t know what to say, my thoughts are with his family. They have lost a tremendous person far too soon. https://t.co/UiRlKacewy
— Earl Schwartz (@EarlSchwartz27) September 10, 2022
This is terrible news. I had the privilege of being a teammate of Matthew in my brief time with @TLNdc and I’m just in shock. https://t.co/geSGB0FWN1
— David Alter (@dalter) September 10, 2022
RIP Matthew. https://t.co/77TpxTkMxb
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 10, 2022
this one really hurts.
we lost a really great dude and even better person. i’m sending all my love and condolences to his family. ❤️ https://t.co/bo8xDL3VU6
— Nick Barden (@nickbarden) September 10, 2022
Matt and I crossed paths only a handful of times, but it was easy to see his talent and kindness. Thoughts are with his family and friends, he will be dearly missed https://t.co/kxeIS6NjBY
— Kyle Cushman (@Kyle_Cush) September 10, 2022
Heartbreaking to hear. We only crossed paths briefly here on Twitter and at TLN, but my heart goes out to his family. A fixture on Leafs Twitter and no doubt a rising star in the industry. Gone far too soon. RIP. https://t.co/Z0GfXbUpWh
— Jori Negin-Shecter (@JNeginShecter) September 10, 2022
life is unbelievably unfair. always in our hearts, matthew. 🤍 https://t.co/ogG5oP9a1g
— roxanne (@onntherox) September 10, 2022
I had the pleasure of editing Matthew’s work during our time at FanSided. He was such a passionate and talented writer, and an even better person. This is indescribably heartbreaking. Tell your loved ones you love them. https://t.co/YBENUiIDsk
— Mike Stephens (@mikeystephens81) September 10, 2022
The amount of shock and heartbreak I am feeling from this can’t be measured. Matthew was a joy to work with at TLN and it was exciting to see him head out west and achieve his career goals. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and my heart goes out to his family. https://t.co/iLlQGID1JL
— jon (@SteitzerJon) September 10, 2022
Terribly sad news. My condolences to Matthew’s loved ones, he’ll be missed. https://t.co/BectrtlQai
— Nick Richard (@_NickRichard) September 10, 2022
I had the opportunity to write alongside Matthew at @EditorinLeaf & @TLNdc. Such a talented young man with a love of sports, & when gotten the opportunity to go to Regina to become a live reporter, was thrilled about it. Such sad news. Sending condolences to his family & friends. https://t.co/A7qfFFRssX
— Joseph Zita (@josephdzita) September 10, 2022
I feel we should highlight the words of Michael Mazzei, Matthew’s closest friend on the site and podcast partner. It was Michael who first shared this tragic news with us and everyone here at TLN especially feels for Michael, as well as Matthew’s family and other close friends during this unfathomable time.
So sad that you’re gone. It was a fun two years having you as my podcast co-host. RIP Matthew ❤️ https://t.co/XOviB7pgOE pic.twitter.com/lRMdpGZ0ny
— Michael (@TheLeafsIMO) September 10, 2022
That podcast was one my proudest accomplishment and I’m so honoured to have worked alongside such a talented and incredible journalist who was just getting started. I’m beyond heartbroken he is gone 💔
— Michael (@TheLeafsIMO) September 10, 2022
You can find Matthew’s TLN writing and links to Matthew and Michael’s podcast here on his author bio page.
Tonight our thoughts are with Matthew’s family and close friends. We were very fortunate to have him as part of our lives but he has left us all far too soon.
Please share your thoughts, memories, and condolences in the comments.
