Los Angeles, CA–A USC freshman was struck and killed on the 110 freeway around 2:45 a.m Saturday morning. 18-year-old Matt Olson is a graduate of Corona Del Mar High School, where he played on the volleyball team.
Olson is reported to have been walking in the fast track lane, where he was struck by two vehicles. One vehicle stopped and attempted to render aid, while the other fled. The person who stopped was arrested and another remains at large. It is still unclear why Olson was walking on the freeway.
The Southern Volleyball association released the following statement: regarding Olson:
“It is with great sadness and deepest condolences that we acknowledge the sudden passing of SCVA athlete Matthew Olson of Balboa Bay Volleyball Club & Corona Del Mar High School // Thank you for the light you brought to the court, you will forever be missed.
.
Matt was an incoming freshman to USC from Newport Beach, graduating from Corona del Mar High School. He was a member of the 2018 National Championship volleyball team at CDM, earning the Coach’s Award for Hardest Working Player, and was active in Best Buddies, a program that fosters friendships with persons having developmental and intellectual disabilities. Matt played club volleyball at Balboa Bay Volleyball Club. Thoughts from his coaches:
.
“Matt was the consummate team player and a great competitor. He would do anything to help his team be successful and win. He made everyone around him a better. But even more important was the quality of young man he was and the life he lived.“ – Andy Read
.
“Matt Olson was the heart and soul of the team. It is impossible to measure the impact he had on his teammates. He was an incredible young man that lived his life to fullest. Matt was the type of player that made me a better coach and person.” – Matt Marrujo
.
“I am stunned and saddened today by the loss of Matt Olson. Matt will be remembered as a top shelf young man that consistently put his teammates and his team ahead of himself. Today is a sad day for the Balboa Bay family”. – Travis Turner
.
“He was one of the best to come through the program. Amazing teammate, so humble and did everything his coaches asked with a smile.“ – Colton Naill
