Matthew Maher, a 26-year-old former professional soccer player and Temple University graduate, is now in prison for the next five and a half years for killing an innocent man while driving drunk on March 7, 2009.
Before he began his prison sentence, Matthew spoke to more than 7,000 students at 36 schools. His presentation, titled “I’m That Guy,” was developed by the New Jersey Traffic and Safety Alliance.
Prior to March 7, 2009, Matt was “that guy.” He was active in his community, excelled in academics and sports and came from a great family. In fact, his father was even the police chief at one time and now serves as the undersheriff.
Now he’s “that guy,” a drunk driver who killed an innocent person. The responses to his presentation have been overwhelming. Matthew journals daily in prison and mails his entries home to be posted on his website, themattmaherstory.com, by his family.
The victim’s family, supportive of our efforts to spread this story, began contributing their own blog entries to the site. Rarely do offenders and their victims’ families join together to offer a glimpse into their new realities.
We’re sharing Matt’s compelling “I’m That Guy” story to prevent future tragedies like the one that occurred on March 7, 2009. His blog offers startling insights into prison life, the design and implementation of parole-incentive programs and the general attitude and approach that most prisoners adopt while incarcerated.
Matt is determined to be “in jail with a purpose.” He has dedicated his life to honoring the life of his victim, Hort Kap, by using his platform to reach others and spread awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence.
