💔 SAD NEWS: Hudson River Helicopter Crash Victims Identified — Half Were Children, Including the Children of a Former Green Bay Packers PlayerA devastating tragedy has shaken the world today as the victims of the helicopter crash over the Hudson River have been identified. The loss is incomprehensible, as half of the victims were children, including the young children of a former Green Bay Packers player.
The private helicopter, which had been chartered for a family sightseeing tour, crashed just minutes after taking off from a helipad near downtown Manhattan. Despite the heroic efforts of emergency responders, there were no survivors.
A Former NFL Star’s Family Shattered
Among the victims was Tyler “The Bull” Matthews, 41, a former defensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers, who retired from the NFL in 2022. Matthews, known for his dominating presence on the field, was traveling with his wife, Sophie, and their three children: Olivia (8), Mason (5), and Aiden (2). The family had been looking forward to a weekend away from the limelight, but instead, their lives were tragically cut short.
“Tyler had always said he wanted to give his family the world. This trip was supposed to be just the beginning of many more adventures,” said a close friend of the family, visibly shaken. “He was a giant on the field, but an even bigger presence in his children’s lives. Sophie was his rock, and the kids—Olivia especially—had the kind of smile that could light up any room.”
The Heartbreaking Loss of Baby Aiden
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching discovery came hours later, as authorities confirmed that Aiden Matthews, just 2 years old, was among the victims. Aiden, described by friends as an “endless bundle of joy,” was barely old enough to walk but had already filled his home with laughter and love.
A text message from Sophie Matthews, sent just moments before the crash, reads:
“Aiden is getting so big! He wants to see the city from above—he says, ‘I’m a big boy now, mommy!’”
It was the last message the Matthews family would ever send.
The Shockwave Felt Across the Nation
The loss of the Matthews family has sent shockwaves throughout the NFL community and beyond. Former Packers teammates, coaches, and fans have expressed their sorrow and disbelief.
“Tyler was a force of nature on the field, but he was even more of a giant off it,” said Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a statement. “I can’t imagine what his family is going through right now. My heart goes out to them. We’re all thinking of them.”
What Caused the Disaster?
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. While initial reports suggest that the weather conditions were not severe enough to contribute, investigators are focusing on the helicopter’s mechanical systems, with some speculating that a failure of the main rotor could have led to the catastrophic plunge into the river.
The helicopter had undergone routine maintenance only two weeks prior to the crash, raising questions about potential negligence or faulty parts.
The Legacy of a Family Taken Too Soon
As New York City grieves, tributes have poured in from around the country. In Green Bay, fans gathered outside Lambeau Field to honor Tyler Matthews, laying flowers and memorabilia at the stadium’s entrance. The Matthews family is remembered not only for their ties to the NFL but for their commitment to community and family.
“I never imagined something like this happening. Tyler was a hero to so many, but to his kids, he was simply ‘dad,’” said Chris Jenkins, a lifelong Packers fan and friend of the Matthews family. “This kind of tragedy doesn’t make sense.”
