UPDATE: A mass to celebrate Matt and AJ's lives will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Florissant, MO (751 N. Jefferson Street) on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 11:00am. All are welcome to come at 10:00am, share stories about Matt and AJ, and visit with one another at the church prior to the service.
For loved ones unable to join in person, the mass will also be livestreamed; access can be found at sacredheartflorissant.org.
With profound heartbreak, we share that AJ has passed away following the injuries she sustained in the car accident. After days of intensive care and every possible effort by her medical team, it became clear that her injuries were too severe for her to recover.
At this time, AJ is being lovingly cared for as she carries out one final, extraordinary act of generosity: she is donating her organs so that others may have a chance at life. This decision reflects the very best of who AJ was—deeply compassionate, selfless, and always thinking of others.
Through this incredible gift, AJ's spirit, strength, and love will live on in the lives of those she helps and in all of us who were lucky enough to know her.
Our hearts are with AJ’s family and with Matt’s family as they navigate this unimaginable loss. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from this community. Your kindness continues to carry these families through this devastating time.
Thank you for holding A.J. close in your thoughts and hearts.
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We are devastated to share that, on Saturday, December 13th, our dear friends A.J. Barks and Matt Siemer were in a horrific car accident. Tragically, Matt died at the scene. A.J. survived and is currently in the ICU at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois, where she remains under medical sedation as doctors work to reduce swelling in her brain. While she is stable, the coming days and weeks are uncertain, and her recovery will be a long road.
A.J. is someone who shows up for everyone — with strength, compassion, and deep care. Right now, she cannot speak for herself, and we are coming together as her community to support her in the way she has always supported others.
We are raising funds to help cover A.J.’s mounting medical expenses and rehabilitation and recovery needs during the months ahead, as well as funeral and memorial services for Matt, whose life and generosity touched so many. The financial burden during this time is significant and immediate, and any support will help ease that weight so A.J. and both families can focus on healing and grieving.
A.J. is surrounded by love — from family, close friends, and an extended community that is holding her with everything we have. We ask you to please keep sending your love, strength, and support to A.J., to her family, and to Matt’s family as they navigate this unimaginable situation.
If you are able, please consider donating or sharing this page. Your support right now will make a real difference to A.J. and her and Matt's families.
You can read a tribute to Matt from Mobile Care Chicago here.
Thank you for your love and support.