Skatepark renamed for Winnipeg man killed in tragic accident

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This article was published 11/12/2021 (1737 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The family and friends of a St. James man who died in a tragic accident have seen a local skatepark renamed in his honour.

Matt Jonsson, a basketball coach and BMX rider, hit his head on a low basement ceiling in February. The accident left him with severe brain damage and paralysis, ultimately claiming his life at 24.

Jonsson frequented the park and was one of the youths responsible for its inception and design in 2007.

Council unanimously approved the name change last month. The skatepark is now called Matt Jonsson Memorial Skatepark.

Tish and Cole Jonsson, Matt’s mother and brother, were among the dozens of friends and family who gathered for the renaming ceremony on Saturday afternoon.

“I want to thank each and every one of you for supporting me and Cole throughout this whole process. It’s been really, really, tough on us, and we have so many friends and so much support. It’s been amazing,” Tish Jonsson said.

The Jonsson family approached Coun. Scott Gillingham (St. James) about renaming Skatepark West in his honour. Numerous St. James businesses financed the creation of a metal sign emblazoned with the new name.

Renaming the park, which sits on city property on the corner of Sturgeon Road and Silver Avenue, required approval from a committee that reviews all renaming applications and makes recommendations to city council.

Gillingham and Matt’s fellow basketball coaches, Evan Cox and Stephen Tackie, were among those who spoke at the event. Laughter and applause rippled through the crowd as they shared fond memories of Matt Jonsson’s life.

They remembered him as a born leader, full of love and optimism, who was a friend to all.

“Matt embraced people that he didn’t know, and I think what that did is it caused and created unity… that’s the type of person we’re here to celebrate,” Takie said. “After his passing, I started to see how that love brought so many people together.”

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca