Members of the North Haven community remember a little boy who lit up their lives.
Six-year-old Matthew Jacques passed away Thursday morning from complications following a recent heart transplant.
Those who knew him said he inspired so many lives.
“Just a great little boy, very energetic and everybody loved him,” said Matthew’s elementary school principal, Mary Federico. “We were very shocked. I think it’s kind of surreal to us because we didn’t expect it.”
Matthew Jacques was born with a congenital heart defect. Recently he received a heart transplant and was showing signs of rejection. Then Thursday morning his Facebook page was flooded with encouraging words for the family following this post:
Thank you everyone for your love and support throughout all that we have been through.
This morning Matthew passed away due to complications.
He is a very lucky boy to have had such great friends and family.
Our hearts are breaking, and heaven has gained an angel.
“He was a driving force to our student athletes,” said North Haven Athletic Director Todd Petronio.
Matthew was like a little brother to the varsity football team. During North Haven’s annual Spring Brawl game this past summer the team picked Matthew’s fund to raise money for. The players are taking it as best they can. It makes it easier knowing that the time they had with Matthew was filled with lasting memories.
“I know it’s difficult right now for everybody, but I think when you look back on it they’re going to remember the experience that Matt had with them in June during our spring bowl,” said football coach Anthony Sagnella.
The North Haven football team has dedicated the season to Matthew and the players will continue wearing an MJ emblem on their helmets, but now they will add a heart next to it.