ROCK HILL, SC—Matthew J. Kelleher, a 2003 Winthrop graduate and a former member of the men’s cross country team, died Saturday morning from injuries suffered in an automobile accident near Atlanta.

Kelleher, 26, was a four-time All-Big South Conference selection in cross country (two years) and indoor and outdoor track. He helped lead the Eagles to conference cross country championships in 2000 and 2001. 

“Matt will be sorely missed,” said Winthrop track and cross country coach Ben Paxton.  “His smile was as infectious as his attitude.  He was part of our “Florida 5” that placed all runners in the top 10 of the 2001 Big South Conference cross country championship.  My heart goes out to his parents and family.”

He was a native of Florida and was the son of John and Charlyn Kelleher of Ocala. He graduated in 1999 from Bishop Moore High School in Orlando.  He earned All-State honors in track and cross country before attending Winthrop on an athletic scholarship.  In addition to his athletic involvement at Winthrop, he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.  At the time of his death, Keller was employed with Atlanta Light Bulb Company.

The memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, October 2, at 9:30 am at Mary our Queen Catholic Church in Norcross. GA.. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Make a Wish Foundation, 1230 Johnson Ferry Rd., Suite E-40, Marietta, GA 30068, (888)517-9474, www.ga-al.wish.org, or 663 Harold Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789, (407)622-4673, www.wishcentral.org. Friends can also express online condolences at www.crowellbrothers.com. Crowell Brothers Funeral Home, Norcross (770)448-5757