Matthew Collins

Matthew Collins, a 42-year-old White male from New Lebanon, Ohio, died on July 17, 2023, leaving behind three sons, his parents, a sister, and numerous relatives and friends. Born on April 23, 1981, Matthew had spent his life in the Dayton metropolitan area, where he developed a passion for working with his hands, restoring bicycles, and customizing vehicles. His death was recognized by the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office, which included his name among the homicide victims memorialized in 2023. Although his death was officially acknowledged through the county's homicide victim memorial, publicly available information provides few details about the circumstances that led to the loss of his life.

Matthew was remembered as someone who enjoyed mechanical projects and took pride in his work. He particularly loved rebuilding high-performance BMX bicycles, spending hours in the garage working on different projects. His enthusiasm for trucks extended beyond simply driving them, as he enjoyed customizing vehicles and making them his own. Professionally, he spent many years working in golf course turf maintenance, lawn care, and landscaping. He had developed considerable skill in maintaining golf courses, particularly in creating the precise mowing patterns and striping that contribute to their carefully maintained appearance. Outside work, Matthew was an enthusiastic Ohio State Buckeyes fan who enjoyed following his favorite team. During the winter months, he liked watching classic Clint Eastwood Westerns, a tradition that connected him to memories of watching those same films with his grandfather during childhood.

Matthew's death left a significant void in a family that included his three sons, Avery Gibson, Christopher Gibson, and Dillan Collins. He was also survived by his mother, Sara Collins of Brookville, Ohio; his father, David Collins of Vandalia, Ohio; and his sister, Jennifer Collins of Brookville. His niece Chloe and nephew Caleb were among the younger relatives who also experienced his loss. Matthew had previously lost his grandfather Richard Doles of Brookville and his grandmother Florence Collins of Vandalia. His memories of spending time with his grandfather were particularly reflected in his continued enjoyment of old Western movies. Family members, extended relatives, and close friends gathered to remember Matthew on July 25, 2023, at Rogers Funeral Home on West Main Street in New Lebanon. Visitation began at 3:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 4:00 p.m.

Despite Matthew's inclusion in Montgomery County's official homicide victim memorial, the specific circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear in accessible public reporting. No verified information was located establishing the precise location of the fatal incident, the weapon or means involved, the events immediately preceding his death, or a possible motive. Similarly, no reliable public reports were identified naming a suspect or documenting an arrest, criminal charges, a trial, or a conviction directly connected to his death. The absence of publicly available information does not necessarily mean that investigators failed to identify a person of interest or that no investigative developments occurred. It does, however, leave important questions unanswered about what happened to Matthew and whether anyone was held criminally responsible.

Matthew Collins is remembered not simply as another name on a homicide memorial but as a father, son, brother, uncle, and friend whose life included meaningful family relationships, years of hard work, and interests that made him recognizable to those closest to him. His death on July 17, 2023, was acknowledged by Montgomery County authorities as part of the community's history of homicide-related losses. While the available records establish his identity, the date of his passing, and the fact that he was memorialized as a homicide victim, they do not provide a complete account of the circumstances or any subsequent criminal proceedings. His family and loved ones were left to mourn a life cut short, while the publicly documented story of his death remains incomplete.