My name is Tia, I’m creating this GoFundMe on behalf of my fiancé, Mat.

On June 25th, Mat was assaulted at a family wedding. Not only has this attack resulted in medical bills and lost wages, but it’s been life altering for our family.

Around 10PM, nearing the end of the wedding reception, there was an argument involving the bride and groom. This disagreement took place in the middle of the street (without lighting) where the bride, groom, and groom’s brother were present. With the next closest group of people being about 15 yards down the same street.

Mat being the wonderful person he is, went to go check on the bride (a family member), while I walked to the nearby group to find out what had happened. As they were telling me, we heard a struggle coming from where Mat, the bride, groom, and groom’s brother were. We all quickly ran over to see what was happening, and we then see Mat getting up off the pavement, his head and face covered in blood. The groom’s brother proceeded to say “I’m sorry, I just pushed him” which he would say repeatedly - in front of multiple people.

Instead of waiting to find out other’s version of events, we went straight to the ER. Once we arrived, Mat’s eye had started to bruise/swell and it was obvious that he wasn’t “pushed” as we were told, but it was clearly a punch to the face that caused him to fall.

He then asked me “what did I do to deserve this? I know I wouldn’t do anything to cause this.” I could only tearfully respond and say, “I have no idea”. Because, I and anyone who knows Mat, knows he is a peacemaker. He has no interest in being confrontational or hurting anyone.

We were at the ER until 3AM, where he received 3 stitches to his eyebrow, 10 staples to the back of his head, and diagnosed with a concussion. While there, we decided to give a police report to the best of Mat’s recollection. During our call with the officer, we found out that the police had shown up to the wedding reception, after we had left to the ER. Despite the responding officers being aware of Mat going to the ER, no one could “provide his contact information”, so they closed the case. Even though, there were multiple “family members” at this wedding who had our information. The case was eventually reopened; but because of Mat’s concussion, “lack of witnesses”, and alcohol being involved, it’s extremely difficult to move forward legally. Shortly after the incident, the groom said he wanted to take full responsibility of the incident and take care of Mat’s medical bills. Unfortunately, after changing their story of events multiple times, he and the bride have since ceased any and all contact with us.

Creating a GoFundMe was the last of our options — sadly, we’ve exhausted all others. All of these funds will go towards Mat’s medical expenses. We are so thankful and appreciative of any help we receive.