BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Canisius High School community is mourning the tragic loss of a beloved former student. School officials said 20-year-old Matthew Mayer died in a car crash on Monday.
In a statement, Canisius High School President Fr. David Ciancimino said:
"Matt was much beloved at Canisius by faculty, coaches, and classmates alike.
He was an excellent student and a fine athlete. Though quiet by nature, he had a wonderful sense of humor and a great smile.
Above all, Matt was a genuinely kind and remarkable young man. He embodied the high ideals of his Jesuit education. He will be remembered with great affection and will be deeply missed. Our hearts ache for his family.”
School officials said that at CHS, Mayer was a member of the soccer team and was inducted into Canisius' Robert Bellarmine Chapter of the National Honor Society. He was an All-Western New York Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention for Fall 2023.
Amherst police have identified Mayer as the driver of the vehicle that crashed into the building at 784 Wehrle Drive early Monday morning. Police said around 3 a.m. Mayer was driving north on Union Road, left the road, struck a utility pole, then continued north and struck the building. According to police, the vehicle rolled onto its passenger side and came to rest inside the building, and then the vehicle and building caught on fire.
Police said the Snyder Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. Mayer was the sole occupant and was pronounced dead at the scene. No other people were injured.
WATCH: Canisius High School graduate killed in crash on Wehrle Drive
The Town of Tonawanda native was entering his junior year, studying finance and accounting at the University of Dayton.
The University of Dayton provided 7 News a statement that was sent to the campus community regarding Mayer's passing, which said in part:
"Dear campus community,
We are writing to share the sad news that UD student Matthew Mayer, 20, passed away early Monday morning as the result of a car accident in his hometown of Buffalo, New York. Matthew was a rising junior in the honors program studying finance and accounting.
Information on funeral services for Matthew will be posted on Porches when available.
A memorial for Matthew will be set up in the first prayer niche of the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. You are welcome to stop in and light a candle or offer a prayer in remembrance of him. A gathering for prayer and support will take place when our community returns to campus in the fall.
We extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to Matthew’s family, friends, faculty, staff and our entire campus community.
Campus ministers, the dean of students office, housing and residence life, and counseling center staff and other resources are available for anyone affected by this loss or feels they need support during this time."
Arrangements have yet to be announced.
Police said the crash remains under investigation.
