'He Rose To Every Occasion': Family, Friends Remember Beloved BurlCo Teen, 15

PALMYRA, NJ — A Palmyra student-athlete who was fatally struck by a train had battled back from an auto-immune disorder that forced him to re-learn how to eat and walk. He returned to sports better than ever, leaving a legacy as a fierce competitor with a great sense of humor and inquisitive mind, according to those who knew Matthew Dickinson.

Matthew, 15, was struck and killed Thursday by an NJ Transit light rail train. He was on his way to a soccer scrimmage, according to 6abc Action News.

Matthew was entering his sophomore year at Palmyra High School, according to his obituary. He excelled at sports — especially soccer, baseball and wrestling — making the varsity teams in the latter two as a freshman.

A few years ago, Matthew was hospitalized with an auto-immune disorder that impacted all of his motor skills. He recovered faster than expected and returned to athletics better than ever, his obituary says.

"Matthew never backed away from any challenge, he rose to every occasion with an envious level of confidence," says the obituary, posted by Weber Funeral Home.

The Palmyra community came together last weekend for a candlelight vigil, donning red bows that have been hung around town in Matthew's memory. A GoFundMe has generated nearly $31,000 as of this writing to help Matthew's family keep his legacy alive.

Matthew's interests were spending time with friends, family trips to Long Beach Island, and watching the Phillies, Eagles and Manchester City.

"Family was everything to Matthew," his obituary says. "He centered his world around hanging with his cousins, aunts and uncles."

Services For Matthew

Memorial visitations for Matthew will take place from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9:15-11:15 a.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church (4th Street and Linden Avenue, Riverton). A funeral mass will take place at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Fourth Street, between Linden and Thomas will be closed, according to Riverton police, who are helping to coordinate traffic.

"There will be officers posted at intersections around the church directing traffic," the Riverton Police Department said. "Expect some delays and one-way traffic in and around the area of the church."

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where Matthew was treated several years ago. View Matthew's full obituary for more info.