Tragic Death of Matt James Hits Home on Cincinnati's West Side

It has been nearly a week since the tragic death of Notre Dame recruit and Cincinnati native Matt James. The impact of his death is finally beginning to sink in, especially on the west side of Cincinnati. 

James fell from a fifth story balcony in Panama City while vacationing with friends on spring break. He was one of the most sought after recruits in the country and was the centerpiece of Brian Kelly's first recruiting class at Notre Dame.

Hailing out of St. Xavier High School, James was a USA Today first team All-American and participated in the U.S. Army All-American game. 

At 6'8" and 291 pounds, James had NFL size and the potential to do great things at the next level. Sadly, that potential will never be realized. However, his death has brought together an entire community in the west side of Cincinnati.

As someone who was born and raised on the west side of Cincinnati, I understand the community and how things work. There is a special bond between people on the west side, a bond different from anywhere else I have been. The west side is one big family and last week we lost a member of that family.

Matt James was born on the west side. In fact he lived just minutes from my parents current house. He attended Our Lady of Visitation, one of the 13 or so "feeder" parishes that send kids to either Elder High School or St. Xavier High School. 

The west side is strong in their Catholic beliefs. Only a few miles separate each Catholic school. At these Catholic parishes, football is a big deal. Kids put pads on and start tackling each other in kindergarten.

They grow up going to high school games dreaming of one day playing at "The Pit" for Elder or suiting it up for national power St. Xavier. This passion and desire is what makes football so successful in Cincinnati. 

I myself never knew Matt James, but I still felt his loss first hand. I did see him play a few times when he was in grade school. My cousin was good friends with James. They attended Our Lady of Visitation together and were friends growing up in Bridgetown, a community on Cincinnati's west side.

The west side of Cincinnati will stand up for their own no matter what the situation.

Just ask Pete Rose.

A facebook page has been created for Matt James and already has over 12,000 members. On Friday, just hours after hearing of his death, St. Xavier students gathered on the football field to remember their fallen classmate. 

Private prayer services were held in the chapel on Saturday and the visitation is scheduled for tomorrow with the funeral to follow on Saturday. 

Everyone who knew Matt James and even some who probably didn't will be there in full force supporting their fallen friend. 

The tragic death of Matt James will never be forgotten. Just days before his 18th birthday, James was set to begin a football career at Notre Dame after graduating high school in May. 

James was a big teddy bear according to most, somewhat of a gentle giant. He will be remembered for how great of a kid he was and not how he was tragically taken away. 

R.I.P. Matt James, all your brothers and sisters on the west side will miss you.