Iraq Veteran Matthew D. Hebell killed in car accident

Iraq War Veteran killed in car accident

Iraq War Veteran Matthew D. Hebell, 22 of Batavia died early Saturday morning when the vehicle he was driving struck a utility pole. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

"My son was a very outstanding person," David Hebell said.

The Hebell family takes pride in serving their country. Four generations have fought in a foreign war. Like those before him, the youngest, Matthew Hebell loved the military.

"If he had his way in life, he would probably help everybody, he's just that type of boy," Mr. Hebell said.

Matthew was in the Army. He served a tour in Iraq and received several awards. He worked at the New York State Veteran's home in Batavia.

Saturday was supposed to be his day off. But he volunteered to work. It was on the drive, along Route 98 in Genesee County, that police believe Hebell fell asleep at the wheel. He crashed into a telephone pole and was pronounced dead at the scene.

"He had a big career coming and it was just big loss for me, my wife and my family and all the people who knew him," said Matthew's father.

His family said, at 22, Matthew achieved more than most people. He often volunteered to work.

Sylvia Hebell, Matthew's stepmother said, "One of our greatest moments was when Matt came home from leave in Iraq."

But one of his greatest accomplishments was for his father, who was forced to drop out of school to fight in the Vietnam War. During a 2-week leave from Iraq, Matthew helped his father finally get a high school diploma.

"That's just the kind of guy Matt was that was the first thing he did when he came home on leave," Sylvia said.

His father was looking forward to one thing this summer walking, hand in hand, with his son, another veteran during a parade.

David Hebell will still take that walk and his son, will no doubt, be right there with him.

“I was very fortunate that I had a son like him," David said.

Matthew's father said he enjoyed working with the older veterans at the home in Batavia. A spokesperson for the veterans home said this is a devastating loss and their hearts are broken.

Matthew Hebell will be buried with full military honors on Wednesday. Calling hours are Tuesday from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the McAndrew Funeral Home in Batavia.

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