I’ve been staring at the screen for the last hour. Trying to find the right eloquent words. To find some graceful way of writing about my friend.

Yet I know I’m about to stumble clumsily through this note, which, in the end, is probably the most truthful and honest way to do this considering the news and it’s impact on me and the rest of the Dimeworth Family — which extends to the cast and crew members from our various projects.

I was recently informed that my friend Matthew Shoalts, a crew member on our films, had unexpectedly passed away in his sleep…

I’m still processing this news, and not quite sure I believe it, even though I know it to be true. The heart is a strange thing in the way that it doesn’t accept the unimaginable. Matt was a young man, in his very early 20’s, overflowing with optimism and promise. I don’t think I ever met anyone through our films that I immediately trusted as much or wanted to help succeed more. Matt was instantly dependable, which is the highest compliment on a film shoot. Judd, Martin and myself, would often talk about pushing Matt quickly through the ranks on each project to make him a more integral part of Dimeworth in the future. This is not something we did often with anyone else. Or at all really. It’s rare to meet a young man, so sharp and capable, with such positivity and life, and completely sincere sense of loyalty — yet Matt was exactly that.

People often say things like “He was such a great person” or “I didn’t know a kinder soul” after someone passes, but Matt actually was all those things. That rare occasion where the first thing you think after hearing the awful news is: “Wait, this can not be true. Not with this person. Not with Matt. How is this even possible?” At least those were my first thoughts. There was a kindness and a sweet natured way about him, that every person I’ve ever talked to regarding Matt has pointed out as their first observation of him. Matt was special.

Which is why none of this makes sense. But I guess, in the end, it’s not supposed to…

A good friend recently told me about a Polish tradition to always set an extra plate at dinner in case someone drops by unexpectedly. Somehow that stuck with me during this. As I feel that’s what Dimeworth will do. Set that extra plate for our friend who should be and would be present…

So, with that, the Dimeworth family and I say goodbye to our dear friend. All our thoughts and prayers are with Matt’s family and loved ones. I hope they can find some comfort in how much their beautiful son affected the rest of us, and forgive me for stumbling through this note the best I could. Matt is still fiercely on my mind, and writing this has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

I just miss my friend.

______

Ayz + The Dimeworth Family