Matthew Harold "Matt" Mortensen

My heart still goes out to this incredible family, you all mean so much to me <3 & all of this has opened everyones eyes as to never take life for granted because it trully is precious!No worries, you will see your amazing son/brother when god believes you've finished your job.
i love ya'll!

Dear Trisha, Keith and Sean:
I loved matt very dearly and he taught me alot. As you know we've been bestfriends ever since yall moved her. Without meeting matt i dont know where i'd be with me life. He was my very first friend in Bessemer and hee was a great one at that. Just alwasy remember your son was truly amazing and meant so much to everyone. Thanks for moving here the NC, and thanks for letting me be like family to you all and to matt. He was like family to me as well. I still pray for you all and him everyday. Just stay strong and you knwo im here if you all need me, I love you guys so much <3 <3 <3

Morty, Trisha & Sean:

I cannot fathom your LOSS!?! Devastation is the word that comes to mind! The Northern Virginia (NVA) / Washington, D.C. "Merkle Family's" thoughts and prayers are with you in your time(s) of mourning. If there is anything that we can do to assist your Family don't hesitate to call and / or E-Mail! Your "Cross Country, Carl's Farm, and WildWood Buddy"

V/R
SCOT W. MERKLE
Colonel Jenny Merkle
Hawthorne & Helen Merkle

Keith, Trish,Sean,
Just want you guys to know we planted the flowers you gave us. We added a cross next to them and we feel like we have a part of Matt with us now, Thank you. I know you will be looked after with all your close friends. They are wonderful and they made us all feel like family. Bria is doing better ,she wants to get a tattoo of a shamrock on her belly in memory of Matt. I told her It would be ok. We love you guys and we will always be here for you. May God bless all of you and you will always be in our thoughts and prayers.

Vinny,Fran,Vince,Bria Speziale

Dear Trisha, Keith and Saen,
I can't express the words that are in my heart for you. I cannot even imagine the pain you are going through. All I can say, is don't give up on God, he is as sad as you all are. Trish, I want to be there with you and give you a big hug and tell you to be strong, but I am there in spirit and love. I will pray for you all forever.
May God be with you.
Joan and Joe Weber, Paula's In-laws

Keith & Trish

I am so sorry to hear about Matt. Matt and my daughter danced together in New Jersey at Ziegler's Dance Centre in Vernon. We are in shock to hear about the accident. Again our prayer is with your family. May God be with you. Matt will be in a better place with the Lord.

With All Our Love
Stephanie & Marcia Bahamonde

Keith and Trish, please know that you guys have been and will always be dear friends of mine, and always know that I am there if you ever need me. As I struggle for words with my heavy heart, please know how much I care about you guys and only wish I could make this go away. Love and Friendship Always

Dear Keith and family,
Well, it's been a long time since we've been in touch and I really hate that it's a reason such as this. Just wanted to let you know how sorry we all are to hear such tragic news. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do please let us know.

Stephen,Kevin and all the Jamiesons.

Dear Trisha, Keith, and Sean, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Our memories of Matt are when he was little. He is now an angel with God and will always live forever in your hearts. Peace be with you, and God bless, the Messineo family, Marianne, Joe, Nick and Marina

Dear Keith, Trisha & Sean,
It's been many years since I've seen you up by Ron's house to fish. I'm so very sorry for your devastating loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I used to dance, and go to school with Matt. He was such a great kid, and friend. My prayers are with you

Mortensen Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Matt will be greatly missed at BCHS. As yearbook editor, I had the privilege of creating the cross country pages. It was evident through the photos that Matt was an amazing asset to the team. He will be missed by the team as well as other things he particapated in and belonged to, such as groups of friends and most importantly, your family.

There are no words that I could even write that would lessen the sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Truly saddened....Dale Merkle McCready

Mortensen family,
I am sooo sorry for what has happened to Matt. I knew Sean better than Matt but by what I've gotten to know about Matt, is that he was one free-spirited boy. I wish I could've gotten to know him better. Just remember that he is in a better place and God is taking care of him in heaven. He will truly be missed by all of the BCHS family & the community of BC.

God Bless & RIP Matt <3

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Meghan's great-grandmother, Margaret Watts.

Dear Keith and family
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of your son. Ken has spoken so highly of him, and I know how proud he was of him. I cannot even imagine what you are going through. May God look over you and give you strength. My family and I send you our deepest sympathy and prayers. God Bless!!

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Keith & Family,
I am truly sorry and saddned by your loss. May you find comfort in family and friends.

Be reminded you will see that precious son/brother again one day. My prayers are with you.

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Keith, Trish, & Sean

I have had the wonderful opportunity to get to know both of your sons over the past year at BCHS. Matt was a phenomenal young man; so full of life and laughter. He will always hold a very special place in my heart. The other students in his Biology Class and myself shared so many wonderful memories with him. I think he will be most remembered in our class for his famous "aliens". I will continue to keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. God's purpose for Matt is far greater than anything we can understand, but I know that we all must trust in Him and rely on Him for strength.

With Much Love!!!
Heather Meadows
BCHS Science Teacher/Cheerleading Coach

We were deeply saddened to hear of your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Keith, Trisha and Sean,
We're all so sorry and shocked about what has happened. Just know that we're all there for you for now and forever. None of us should ever have to experience the loss of a child, and I know the pain must be unbearable, but
always remember whenever you need someone to talk to or just to listen, you can call on us any time day or night. That's what friends are for. We love you

My prayers and thoughts are with this entire family,i pray that God gives yo all added strength,i didnt know this family but my nephew James Setzer went to High School with him and said that he was a very nice person so i know the loss is sad but again you all are in my prayers!

i'm so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Keith, Trish & Sean

Im Truly sorry for your loss, my thought and prays are with you.

mortensen family <3
stay strong and stay together, My thoughts and prayers are with ya'll.
Matt was an amazing person inside and out and he always gave me the best advice.

i love yall and rip matt <3
my favorite yankee :-)

I can't believe all of this. My thoughts and prayers are definately with the family. Matt was a great person and he will truly be missed !

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Keith, Trish and Sean
I am very sorry for your loss. I loved Matt and will miss him each and every day. He was a bright boy and will always be missed and loved by everyone. I am blessed and very lucky to have known him,and so lucky to have been close to him
I love you and will always be here for you all anytime. Telissa

Kieth and Trish, Im am truly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.Stay strong and take care of one another

Dear Mortensen Family,

Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

? Love,
The Wilson Family

To my dear friends: Keith, Trish and Sean.
Matt was such a "larger than life" person, I am honored to have known him. I will keep his wonderful spirit in my heart forever. May God's love keep you and your family safe and close during this time. Love to you all...sonya

To my very dear friends Keith, Trish and Sean. My heart aches for you and your family. Matt was such a "bigger than life" person, I am truly honored to have known him. Please know you are all in my prayers...May God and His love keep you all safe. Love you ALL very much.

We are sorry for your loss. We met Matt once at on of his friends house. He was a nice young man. Our prayers are with you all in this diffcult time. May the memories you have of him always be cherished forever.
Love in Christ,
Billy & Anie Kirk

We are all so deeply sorry for your loss. All of us are praying for you and your family during this time.

Keith & Trish, I can only attempt to feel or understand how hard this is for you all. I hope and pray that our Lord God comfort you and help you thru......Jeff, Mandy, Tyler and Kyle

I did not know your son, but I know that could have just as easily been my child. My heart just hurts for your family. I'm sure Matt was welcomed into Heaven with open arms. My family is praying for yours.

Dear Keith, Trish and Sean,
We were shocked to hear about this terrible loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Cherish your memories and each other.
Chuck, Tiffany, Garrett and Cole

Keith, Trish. My family and I can only attempt to understand how hard this is for you all. I hope and pray for God to comfort you and help you thru. ~ Jeff, Mandy, Tyler, Kyle

I didn't know Matt, but my son went to school with him... I pray that God will comfort you in this time and give you peace. My heart goes out to your family.

Dear Trish, Keith & Sean:

I am so sorry to hear about Matt. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. God Bless you!

Love always,

Kelly & Jerry Lo Russo

we are so sorry to hear about your loss.may god be with you in this time of need.
the Riddle family.

Keith, Trish, Sean.
I am so sorry for this tragic loss and my prayers are with you. I am so honored to have known Matt and have such wonderful memories that will live in me forever. He was such a great kid and I wish I could have known him through his teen years. He was as your family was, a big part of my life and I will treasure the memories of Matt always. My love and prayers will be with you always. Love and miss you all.
John

Matt i do not even know where to begin. just a few days ago we were all out by the fire and running around in your building while you sprayed everything in your sight with wd40 and let us borrow your dirtbike then halloween you were carving pumkins with me and meghan. so many memories so little time. Matt you were an amazing friend and you'll always be in my thoughts. i love and miss you tons, but i know deep down inside that you are in heaven watching down on us! RIP Matt :( --Christa

Sean,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time...Your 9th grade English teacher at BCHS--

Dear Keith, Trish and Sean,
Nancy and I were truly devastated to hear of your loss. Matt was such a neat guy and a reflection of your loving family. Please know that all of you are constantly in our thoughts.

May God bless your family and help you though this time.I will be praying for yall.I'm so sorry for your loss.

DEAR MORTENSEN FAMILY,

I DO NOT KNOW YOUR FAMILY BUT I WANT YOU TO KNOW I AM PRAYING FOR YOU.MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN HIS ARMS AND GIVE YOU PEACE.I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I CAN'T EVEN KNOW THE PAIN YOU ARE SUFFERING AT THIS TIME.MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.

SOMEONE WHO CARES

I do not know your family but this story touched my heart.My thoughts and prayers go out to you.May God bless your family and help you though this time.

Dear Trish, Keith & Sean:
Our heart goes out to you all .. god
bless you always. You are in our
thoughts & prayers. love always
Rosie & Tom Mertz

Your family is in my prayers.

Trish, Keith, & Sean,
We're so sorry to hear about Matt. It's such a shock and such a terrible loss. We'll be thinking of all of you.

I am so sorry you are having to go through this pain. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Jordan Barnett and Tammy Creed

Keith, Trish, Sean

We are devistated about your loss. Matt was a good kid,full of fun and mischief. We still have the cat him and Sean rescued as a kitten and brought to our door and if not for him we would be short one dog. He was the only person Cody would go to when he excaped. Matt would scoop him up and bring him home. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Junie and Megan

First i want to thank you for having such a wonderfull son. my son was one of matts class mates, if me or cmvfr can do anything please call.

I think this is such a terrible tradedy
I do not know your family but I have been through this myself & it's really hard 2 get through it, so all my thoughts & prayers go out 2 you & your family.I am so very sorry 4 your loss.

Dear Mortensen Family,

We are blessed to have known and honored to be friends with such a great young man. His spirit and "live life to the fullest" attitude will never be forgotten. Thank you for raising such a delightful, respectful, couteous and hard working young man. He made this world a better place to live in. Matt truly is a gift of God.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I did not know your son, I have two boys of my own. I am so sorry for your loss. I lived in Dallas for 27 years and my boys still do. I read the paper on line. Your son was a great kid. It will be hard but, pull together. I lost my boyfriend in April in a car wreck. I will be praying for all of you.

May God see your family through your grieving process. Our prayers are with you.

To our best friends,Keith, Trisha and Sean. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all. We loved Matt like he was one of our own. He was a wonderful and caring soul. I know he's up there riding the "DOUBLE RAINBOW" and watching over all of us. He will be missed GREATLY!!!! We will be here for you all!!! We love you!!

KEITH,Trish, Sean

your son/brother seemed like such an amazing kid, reading about him reminds me so much of you keith. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers in this very difficult time. The memories that you all have help ease the pain.

Ketih, Trish, Sean,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Love,

Carolyn & Norman Schmelz

my heart goes out to you and your whole family. I dont know your family but i have a son the same age.My thoughts and prayers are with you all.christine strickland gastonia nc

I am so very sorry for the loss of Matt. His carefree spirit will be greatly missed in the halls and on the track at BCHS. I enjoyed teaching him these past two years. He was a special young man. You are all in my prayers.

May God be with your family during this time of grief...

Susan Huntsinger
past employee of Bessemer City Middle School

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

my heart goes out to you and your whole family. I do not know your family,but just been reading and following the story--sounds like a very good young man, i have one the same age--may God be with your family, his brother, his girlfriend, and know there are people that are out there praying for you.

renee russell

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Your child is the most precious thing that God can give you and then God takes him away. Fear not, God has a far better plan for your son Matt. God will guide you and your family through this terrible tradgey. Let the Lord lead you and you will survive this very hard time in your lives.

Keith,Trish,Sean,
We will miss that little smiling face of Matt. The road will be hard but you must lean on each other and most of all trust that the Lord will guide and protect you all. Just pray for strength.

Bryan, Kathy, Blair Gamble

Dear Mortensen Family,

I want to let you know that it was a privilege to go to school with Matt. I cannot imagine the pain you are going through in this, your hour of need. May the Lord be with you today, and the days ahead.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

May God be with you all!

Keith and family,

There's no way for me to understand the pain you're going through, or how deeply you are hurting right now. But there's one thing that is certain in all of this, there is one thing I do know. God's love is with you to surround you and strengthen you, to carry you through this. His love will bring light to the darkest hour that you will ever walk through and bring hope, comfort, and rest to your soul. Just know that you are surrounded by our love and prayers.

Terry Arvey
Ela Campground

Terry Arvey
Ela Campground