Matthew Mindler's death ruled as suicide, but mystery remains
HELLERTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA: The tragic death of child actor Matthew Mindler has been ruled recently as suicide and the investigation is ongoing to delineate the exact manner of death. Best recognized for playing Paul Rudd's son in the 2011 movie 'Out Idiot Brother', Mindler's death was confirmed on August 28, 2021. His body was found near the campus of Millersville University where he happened to be a student.
The news of the 19-year-old Mindler's death came days after he was reported missing from campus. According to a press release from the Millersville University Police Department, he disappeared on Wednesday, August 25, after being spotted last on the night before "walking to a parking lot." A missing report was filed after Mindler “did not return to his room or return phone calls from his family." The police started working together with Mindler's mother and the university staff to find him.
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"It is with a grieving heart that I let you know of the death of 19-year-old Matthew Mindler from Hellertown, Pennsylvania, a first-year student at Millersville University. A search had been underway for Matthew since Thursday after he was reported missing. Matthew was found deceased this morning, Saturday, August 28, in Manor Township near campus," the University shared in a statement to its students.
Mindler's death was found to be a suicide by The Lancaster County Coroner's Offfice. Though the exact cause behind the same will be revealed later, as the toxicology reports are still pending.
It is unclear whether Mindler was battling any mental health issues that prompted him towards such a drastic step. A resident of Hellertown, Pennsylvania, he is survived by his mother Monica, who revealed that her son had not been in front of the camera for years. Besides 'Our Little Brother', Mindler also starred in 'As The World Turns', 'Frequency' and appeared on a sketch with John Oliver on 'Last Week Tonight'.
He was last seen leaving his dorm building wearing black pants, a Millersville University sweatshirt, and carrying a black backpack around 8 pm on August 24. He did not attend classes the next day. “Our police department is continuing efforts to locate Matt in conjunction with regional law enforcement agencies. They are following every lead and appreciate your attention to this effort," University President Daniel A. Wubah said in a statement on Friday, August 27, a day before Mindler's body was found near the campus.
Students in need of support are encouraged to contact the Millersville Counseling Center (717) 871-7821, chaplains within Campus Ministries, Health Services (717) 871-4141. Employees impacted should contact the State Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-692-7459."