Neighbor shares memories of Texas State University student who died

When you are twenty years old, you feel like you can do anything and life will last forever. When you are older, you learn that that is far from the truth.

"I was heartbroken when I heard it," said retired school teacher Gary Bender. Heartbroken when he heard that the boy from down the street that he knew for thirteen years had died. Not just a child he knew somewhat but one he knew really well.

"I used to take him duck hunting," said Bender. "Just a great kid and I can tell you, it's such a loss to our community with losing a young man like that.”

Matthew Ellis was a young man who loved to hunt and fish. He played tennis at Atascocita High School before heading to Lone Star College.

Ellis entered Texas State University as a sophomore. His aunt was too distraught to speak on camera, but she says now, instead of preparing to bring him home for Thanksgiving, his parents are over in San Marcos preparing to bring their beloved son home for the last time, back to his Humble community that is struggling to make sense of the senseless death of one of its shining stars.

"He didn't deserve that," said Bender. "Who's to say who's at fault for this. It's college."