Barrett Matthew Brewer Obituary: Tragic Motorcycle Accident Slidell, LA

Barrett Matthew Brewer, aged 33, tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident on the evening of Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Slidell, LA. According to the preliminary autopsy report, there were no drugs or alcohol involved. He was wearing a helmet, not speeding, and was followed by his college sweetheart and best friend of 13 and a half years, Miss Shelby Fritscher, who witnessed the accident. Matt apparently lost consciousness while riding, veered into oncoming traffic, and collided with a cursed pole without applying the brakes or laying the bike down.

Matthew, born on May 19, 1990, began his spiritual journey at The Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville, where he received the sacraments of baptism, first communion, and confirmation. He attended Overbrook School for his elementary education, receiving Dominican instruction from kindergarten through 8th grade. In 2009, he completed his high school years at Father Ryan, where he not only won several art awards but also played a crucial role in a two-time state championship wrestling team.

Following in the footsteps of his maternal grandfather, George “Citizen” Barrett, Matthew enrolled at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, after graduating from high school. Although he initially intended to pursue a career in law, he soon realized it involved more reading than he desired. He then turned his focus to child psychology with a specialization in art therapy but later decided it required too much reading as well.

In the summer of 2010, Matthew worked at the Bonnaroo Music Festival before traveling to Chicago for aptitude testing at the Johnson O’Connor Research Lab. The test results revealed that he possessed the aptitudes of both a lawyer and a child therapist. However, the analyst added an important caveat that people with Matthew’s specific aptitudes found the most happiness when they were involved in construction, either deconstructing or building things.

Embracing this newfound insight, Matthew embarked on a legendary career in the music festival industry. He would arrive at each festival location ahead of time, contribute to its construction and management, and then dismantle his work, leaving the site as it was before. His tireless dedication and passion took him across the country, building, running, and tearing down festivals. He was an ardent fan of Billy Strings and possessed a remarkable ability to tie knots, even though he was never an Eagle Scout. While he never became a lawyer, he could argue with the best of them, displaying his natural talent.

Matthew was cherished as a son, brother, cousin, nephew, friend, teacher, student, travel companion, and an extraordinary outdoorsman. He was an integral part of his industry, known for his hard work and dedication. He shared a deep bond with his beloved Miss Shelby and their two four-legged children, Beeze and Zeita.

He is survived by his loving partner, Miss Shelby Fritscher of Slidell, LA, his parents Mary and Mark Brewer of Nashville, and his sisters Sarah Kate Hirst (Charlie, Louis, and Brewer) of Huntington Beach, CA, and Betsy Lane Raney (Aaron) of Nashville. A Funeral Mass will be held at The Cathedral of the Incarnation on Friday, June 23, at 10:00 am, followed by an Irish Wake at their home in Nashville. Attendees are encouraged to wear sunglasses in his honor.

To honor Matthew’s memory, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The George Barrett/Matthew Barrett Brewer Scholarship Fund, c/o Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL. The family expresses their gratitude for the support received. For further information, please contact Sellars Funeral Home at 615.444.9393 or visit sellarsfh.com.

You can read some condolences for Matthew Barrett Brewer below;

I never met Mat. He and I both went to Spring Hill College, but graduated about 40 years apart. What has driven me to send my condolences is the extraordinarily well-written obituary. It is poignant and humorous, capturing both the wonderful free spirit Mat must have been and capturing the family and friends´ grief. Mat seemed like quite a lovable character. A great loss to many, I am sure. Special condolences to Miss Shelby Fritscher. It can´t be easy. And thanks again to whoever wrote the obit. Well done. The End.

Malcolm Villarrubia

School

June 23, 2023

To: Shelby Fritscher and the entire Brewer Family. Lynn and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Matthew. Unfortunately, God has a plan for all of us. Nothing can change this. Shelby, try to focus on all the good times you shared with Matt. Memories of Matt have become Treasures for Shelby and the Brewer Family. Nevertheless, Matt is a GUARDIAN ANGEL and is watching over the Brewer Family and my niece Shelby Fritscher from HEAVEN. With THY GRACE OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, Shelby and the Brewer Family will be able to obtain the necessary strength in order to go through the grieving process. Shelby, Aunt Lynn and I will keep you and the Brewer Family in our prayers at this most difficult time. RIP Matthew. Love always, Aunt Lynn and Uncle Kenny

Kenneth and Lynn Fritscher

Family

June 23, 2023

So sorry, Miss Shelby, for your loss. What a great young man. Prayers for the repose of his soul and prayers for you and his family as you keep on keepin’ on. Love conquers all.

Jack Fritscher

June 21, 2023