Forever In Our Hearts – Matt

Who Are We?

On July 27, 2013, 15-year-old Matthew Kocher was away at camp, earning community service hours for high school. While standing in shallow water in Lake Michigan, Matt was caught in a rip current. He was suddenly pulled away from shore; tragically, he drowned.

Matthew was an amazing young man who many loved and respected. He was an honor student and three-sport athlete playing football, basketball and volleyball at Andrew High School in Tinley Park, IL. Matthew was gentle and kind, cared deeply for others, and was very involved in community service. Matthew had a perpetual smile and warm, inviting eyes that made everyone feel at ease.

Matt’s tragic drowning was completely preventable. If Matt had received water safety education, he would have had the knowledge necessary to keep him safe.

The impetus to establish the Matthew Kocher Foundation originated in the hearts of Matt’s parents, John and Kathy Kocher. The Foundation’s mission is to carry on Matt’s spirit of caring for others by offering water safety education to prevent future drownings and save lives. Matt’s parents do not want any other families to experience the anguish of going through such a preventable tragedy. The Foundation also provides scholarship awards to deserving students and provides community service opportunities to young people.

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Forever In Our Hearts – Matt

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