Matthew Robert Snyder Obituary — Matthew Robert Snyder, 30, tragically passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024, from an accidental fentanyl overdose.
His death comes after a 15-year struggle with addiction, a fight he waged with determination but ultimately lost. Snyder’s family shared that addiction overshadowed much of his life, but they emphasized that he was more than his struggles.
Known for his kind heart and vibrant personality, Matthew’s love for life was evident in his passions, including riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and his devotion to his niece and nephew, whom he considered his pride and joy.
“He hated addiction. Absolutely. Hated. It,” his family wrote in a public tribute. “He hated what it was doing to him and the hold it had over him. Matt wanted to live, and he fought to overcome the demons inside him for more than half his life.”
Snyder’s death highlights the devastating impact of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has claimed countless lives across the U.S. His family hopes to combat the stigma of addiction by sharing his story and encouraging others struggling with substance use to seek help.
Growing up, Snyder had dreams of building a family, a career, and a fulfilling life. Though addiction altered the course of those aspirations, his loved ones say he never stopped fighting for a better future.
“He was not the addiction, and he was not the statistic,” his family said. “Matt’s love for his family, his Harley, and his bright smile will be remembered forever.”
Matthew is survived by his parents, Stephen and Tamera Snyder, his sister, Shelby McNutt, his brother, Grant Leffler, and his niece and nephew, Adaline and William McNutt. He is preceded in death by his brother, Ryan Snyder.
A **Celebration of Life** will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. at The Sanctuary Church, located at 1090 5th St., Calimesa, California. A gathering will follow at Brewcaipa Brewing Company in Yucaipa, California, where friends and family will honor his memory.
The Snyder family urges those affected by addiction to seek resources and support, highlighting the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding substance use disorders.