Hello my name is Kelly Henken and I am the mother of Matthew DeGroat. As most of you have heard by now our family experienced a devastating loss. At the tender age of 11 years old Matthew DeGroat was tragically murdered on October 9, 2025.

During this most difficult time we have had a tremendous outpouring of support and love from our community and we couldn’t be more grateful. THANK YOU!! The SNUG program has truly been a blessing in helping to support us through this tragedy as well. YOU ALL ARE AMAZING!!

Matthew was a good kid. He enjoyed spending time in his Newburgh community building relationships at local businesses and helping out at the church in his own backyard. He also had a great love for his Middletown community and especially his Middies football family. Matthew always wore a smile and was respectful and outgoing to everyone he met.

It is going to be a long road to healing for our family. We are asking for your support to help with our family’s expenses and also to help us with honoring Matt’s legacy. Anything that you can donate helps, even if it’s just $1. If you can’t donate, please keep our family in your prayers in the coming days and months ahead.

Thank you to everyone who has showed love, given support, provided a hug or simply took the time to think of us over the past few days. We are soooo grateful for everything!