Mat George, co-host of She Rates Dogs podcast, killed in hit-and-run aged 26
Police say the incident took place in the early hours of Saturday morning and are appealing for information on the driver's identity.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Instagram/@matchu_chutrain
The podcast host and Twitter personality, Mat George, has died after being involved in a hit-and-run in Los Angeles over the weekend.
The 26-year-old host of the She Rates Dogs podcast reportedly died at the scene after being hit by the car, which drove away early on Saturday (17 July) morning.
Geroge’s podcast host, Michaela Okland, tweeted to confirm his death.
“He has been such a sweet internet friend”
In a tweet posted on Saturday, Okland said: “I would rather you guys here [sic] this from me than a news article. Mat was killed in a hit and run last night. I don’t really have any other words right now.
“I wish I could contact everybody who knows him personally but the news is already out and I just can’t do it right now”
I know he’s laughing at me for having such a stupid typo in the first sentence of this
— michaela okland (@MichaelaOkla) July 18, 2021
She also tweeted: “I know he’s laughing at me for having such a stupid typo in the first sentence of this”
Mat and Okland discussed relationships and culture on the podcast, She Rates Dogs, which refers to people’s exes. The Twitter account of the same name shows people were able to submit stories to be included in the feed.
View this post on Instagram
Tweeting from the podcast’s Twitter page, Michaela said there was one more episode that had been recorded prior to Mat’s death, but that she wasn’t sure when it would be released.
or to have to use past-tense to describe him. I think you all knew within 10 seconds of listening to him how vibrant, loving, accepting, and wonderful Mat George is. This community made him so happy. Your words and support made him so happy. Thanks for talking about him
— She Rates Dogs: The Podcast (@sheratesdogspod) July 17, 2021
Fans of the pair and the show tweeted their shock and sadness at the news, with person saying: “I’m so sorry Michaela. I never met Matt in person, but he has been such a sweet internet friend. Sending love to you”
I’m so sorry Michaela. I never met Matt in person, but he has been such a sweet internet friend. Sending love to you
— Mike (@djchocchipcook) July 18, 2021
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the incident took place at around 2:20 a.m. when a white BMW collided with a pedestrian on Croft Avenue in an unmarked crosswalk.
The police are appealing for people to help identify the driver of the vehicle, and are providing an award of up to $50,000 for any information.
Speaking to Shoutout Arizona in December Mat said he wanted the podcast to be a source of comfort and provide a sense of community for LGBTQs, which he says he missed growing up.
“The most rewarding moments are when members of the LGBTQ+ community reach out to me and tell me what a difference I’ve made in their lives,” he added.
Our hearts go out to Mat’s family and friends at this difficult time.
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