July 9, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Samohi Student Jumps From Hotel, Dies: Victim Identified as Samohi Freshman Matthew Mezza

Matthew Mezza, the 14-year-old Santa Monica High School freshman and baseball player who jumped to death from the top floor of the Sheraton Delfina Hotel on Jan. 14 was buried Jan. 19 following an emotional funeral service attended by nearly a thousand mourners.

A female classmate said she found out about Matthew’s jump via text message from a friend and the text message indicated that Mezza was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Santa Monica Police Sgt. Jay Trisler referred the matter to the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. In a statement addressed to district parents, Superintendent Tim Cuneo and Samohi principal Hugo Pedroza said “a student left campus and jumped onto the sidewalk from an upper floor of the Sheraton Delfina … He was immediately transported to UCLA hospital.” The statement added that counselors were on hand at Samohi cafeteria to assist students and their families who needed support.

Santa Monica police cornered off the stretch of Pico Boulevard between Second Street and Lincoln Boulevard well into the night while Samohi varsity boys and girls basketball teams hosted Culver City in back-to-back games in the North Gym.

A Santa Monica police officer at the scene told the Mirror that the victim may had jumped from the ninth floor of the hotel and was seriously hurt but may not have died. The officer also added that homicide detectives were en route to the scene.

Matthew’s classmate said she was close to him and described the boy as a “very smart kid [who] would tell me these interesting facts that I would have never known.” While Matthew was close to a temple and its youth group, but “he didn’t really open up to many people,” she said. “Baseball was a big hobby of his.”

Mezza was buried at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary following a service on Jan. 19 attended by hundreds of mourners. His family has asked that in lieu of flowers donations are made to either the Santa Monica High School baseball team or suicide prevention program Teen Line.

in News
<>Related Posts

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...

Soprano Golda Zahra Returns to BroadStage For a One-Night-Only Musical Celebration

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Hailed as “the rising star of the opera world” by The Hollywood Times, internationally acclaimed soprano Golda Zahra makes her much-anticipated return to BroadStage in...

(Video) Hundreds of Drones Light up the Sky for Palisades to Celebrate July 4th

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The Event Marked One of the First Large Gatherings Among Palisadians Since the January Wildfires. The Event Marked One of...

Transform Your Life: The Free Virtual ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 18-20, 2025

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT, a transformative three-day virtual event, is coming, July 18-20, 2025, offering participants worldwide a free opportunity...

Santa Monica Home Defies Convention: Architect Eric Owen Moss Debuts Shape-Shifting Design

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Pistachio-Colored Marvel Boasts Curving Walls, Sharp Angles, and Challenging Design A striking residence in Santa Monica is turning heads with...