Matthew was in a canoe 1/4 mile upstream on the Big Susitna River, above the Parks Highway bridge, when the canoe capsized as it neared the bridge. He was last seen still holding onto the canoe, 1/4 mile downstream from the bridge. The canoe was sighted drifting about 20 minutes later, 1 1/2 miles downstream and he was not on it. A search using boats, airplanes and helicopters was conducted, but he was never located.