It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the family and friends of 19-year-old Tampa, Florida resident Matthew Owen announce his unexpected death. After being missing for several weeks, Matthew was sadly found dead in his car on a stretch of Interstate 75 near Progress Avenue in Riverview. Those who knew and loved him are struggling to accept the truth of this tragic loss, and this terrible news has left an eye on them.
On a seemingly normal Monday afternoon, a road crew made the discovery. A red Mazda Miata convertible was partially hidden by surrounding brush and vegetation as workers performed maintenance near I-75. After further investigation, the Florida Highway Patrol was immediately dispatched to the scene and authorities were notified. Matthew Owen, the only passenger at the time of the collision, was found dead inside the severely damaged vehicle.
While the exact circumstances of the crash are still unclear, preliminary analyzes indicate that the incident could have occurred weeks before the find. It is believed that Matthew lost control of the car, which unfortunately led to an instant crash that killed him. The fact that the accident happened in a remote area and the car was partially obscured from view may have contributed to the delay in identifying the vehicle.
Friends, relatives and the greater Tampa community were shocked by Matthew's sudden absence. Posts, prayers and hopeful messages calling for his safe return flooded social media for days. In the hope that someone could identify him or provide vital information, flyers with his picture and description were posted in local communities and online forums. Matthew's family held out hope that he would return home safely. This is so evident in any discussion of the occurrence that the tragic revelation of his death left a lasting impression of anguish and sorrow.
