Fatality in Illegal Soapbox Race

During a San Fernando Valley Illegal Soapbox Federation race over the weekend, Matthew Joseph Garcia was killed after a collision with a parked car. He was 21 years old. This incident is sure to incite pompous  blathering from those who would cover everything in Nerf and faint if they skinned an elbow, but unfortunately, accidents are a fact of life. And while I have strong opinions about risk-taking and the potential for injury/death, I don’t think I can sum this situation up better than Garcia’s brother did on the SFVISF’s message board:

My name is Jesse Garcia, some of you know me, some of you don’t. My brother Matthew Joseph Garcia, lost his life yesterday. He loved soapbox racing and running with us, he knew the risks and always accepted responsibility for his actions. Matt was a guy that everyone liked or loved, and if you hated Matt, you were an asshole. We loved soapboxing and working on our car. I thank all of you for the support and greetings, and for the memories, we simply loved it. To the core few that were with us yesterday, I simply can’t express what it meant for you to be there with us, I love you all. Now for the blame game, that’s bullshit plain out. Matt wouldn’t have blamed anyone, not a single fucking person, I wouldn’t have either, and neither should any of you. This is tragic and shouldn’t be used as a pulpit to fucking preach about how right you were. Thats all I need to say about that. To the "journalist" all I ask is show some respect, have some decency. Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers and I ask you to continue praying. All my soapbox brothers will be kept in the loop regarding services, not one of you will be left out. Once again thank you all.

Well said Jesse, and rest in peace Matthew. For more info on SFVISF, see Rob’s earlier post, and for details on this incident, watch the video below.