Remembering the Life of Matthew Friedman '26 Friends and family refect on the freshman's dedicated and compassionate character

By SOFIA RUBINSON and AIMÉE EICHER

Sun Managing Editor and Sun Assistant Managing Editor

Matthew Friedman ’26, a first-year student studying biological sciences who hoped one day to become a surgeon, was announced dead on April 12. He was 19 years old.

The primary cause of Friedman’s death was a brain aneurysm suffered in his sleep, according to his father, Brian Friedman ’95.

As the Cornell community reels from his death, Friedman’s former friends, fraternity brothers and family remember him with affection and admiration for his kindness, intelligence and infectious happiness.

Friedman grew up in Marlboro, New Jersey and frequently volunteered with his local Emergency Medical Service. At Marlboro High School, Friedman ran on the track team, was on student council and served as his class president senior year.

“Matt was one of the most influential people I’ve ever met,” wrote Keith Omane-Agyei, a friend of Friedman’s from high school, in a statement to The Sun. “He set the standard incredibly high, and I always wanted to chase

“I knew that Matthew would be successful at Cornell ... because of his hard work, determination and what seemed like endless knowledge about anything and everything”

Alexa Friedman '24 it. No matter where we were, whether we were on the track or [in] the classroom, I’ve always looked up to him.”

In coming to Cornell, Friedman joined his older sister, Alexa Friedman ’24. The two would frequently spend time together and had a tradition of