LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Frederick Douglass High School community is mourning the tragic loss of 17-year-old Matthew Perrine, a student-athlete who died following a head-on collision over the weekend. Perrine, a member of the school’s junior varsity baseball team, passed away about two hours after the crash on Saturday, April 26. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death.
Perrine was a student at Frederick Douglass High School, and his passing has left a profound impact on his teammates, friends, and the entire school community. According to a statement from the school’s baseball team, Perrine was “a beloved member” of the program, and his loss will be felt deeply.
In the wake of this tragedy, the baseball team has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the Perrine family and another family affected by the crash. The fundraiser is aimed at helping with funeral expenses and other needs during this difficult time. The team shared a message on its website, expressing condolences to the Perrine family: “Matthew was a beloved member of our baseball program, and he will be missed,” the statement said.
The fatal crash occurred around 3 p.m. on April 26, on the 3500 block of Bryan Station Road in Lexington. Police reports indicate that a passenger car and a pickup truck collided head-on, injuring all seven individuals in both vehicles. Among the injured were five juveniles, including Perrine. Perrine was rushed to the hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Two other victims had life-threatening injuries, while one had injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Four individuals sustained minor injuries, police said.
As of Monday afternoon, the GoFundMe campaign had raised nearly $14,000, with over 200 donations pouring in to assist the Perrine family and the family of another victim described as Perrine’s friend. All funds raised will be distributed to the families of the victims.
In addition to the fundraiser, the Frederick Douglass Baseball Program is organizing a celebration of life for Perrine. Details of the memorial service will be released soon.
The Lexington Police Department’s Collision Reconstruction Unit is leading the investigation into the crash, which remains under active review.
As the community grieves, Perrine’s memory is being honored by those who knew him, and the support for his family and friends continues to grow. The outpouring of love reflects the impact Perrine had on those around him, both on and off the field.