Honoring Kelsey and Matthew on a podcast about their lives
A podcast documentary, “23/32: Remembering Kelsey and Matthew” premiered on Saturday Apr. 22 at 7 p.m. at The Geneseo Riviera. The creator of the show is senior communication major, Rocío Ruiz. This podcast documentary series is in remembrance of Kelsey Annese and Matthew Hutchinson, a previous SUNY Geneseo senior and graduate student who died off-campus in 2016.
At the beginning of the event, Annese’s mother, Krista Annese, beautifully read a letter written by Hutchinson’s family before the first two episodes of the podcast were broadcasted to the people in attendance. It was also live streamed for those who could not make it, including the family of Hutchinson, who were not able to attend the premier in person. There was not a seat left to be taken during the event, many people standing in the back in support of the event.
The first two episodes consisted of the early lives that Kelsey and Matthew lived. The two families spoke very passionately about their lives and what they had already achieved and accomplished in their lives that were taken so soon. The two were very involved on campus during their time at Geneseo, including in their respective sports, basketball and hockey.
The first three episodes aired Monday, Apr. 24: Episode 1: Introduction to the Series, Episode 2: Kelsey Annese, and Episode 3: Matthew Hutchinson. The next three episodes will be aired on May 1: Episode 4 Thirty-Two, Episode 5: Twenty-Three, and Episode 6: Crossing Paths. The final three episodes will air Monday, May 8—Episode 7: Unexpected Tragedy, Episode 8: Mental Health Awareness, and Episode 9: Their Legacy Lives On.
Ruiz states in an Instagram post, “To my fellow SUNY Geneseo students. Kelsey and Matthew went to this college just like us. They achieved so much and had dreams they wanted to accomplish. Now their legacy lives on and continues to impact others. Their story highlights the power of unity in a community, mental health awareness, domestic abuse awareness, the grieving, and healing journey.”
If you or someone you know are in need of immediate mental health assistance there are walk-in times at Lauderdale or if they are closed and it is urgent call 911 or the University Police at 585-245-5222.
Tune in and listen to the first three episodes on Spotify and look out for the last six episodes in the next couple of weeks
https://open.spotify.com/show/3NV8zmGSeZenMU7IJ2ejRd?si=6a6a020598654d89