In Memory of Former Child Star Matthew Mindler: 3 Years After His Tragic Death by Suicide

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It's been three years since the tragic death of former child star Matthew Mindler. Best known for his role in the film Our Idiot Brother (2011), died by suicide at only 19 years old. This is his story.

A Closer Look

Matthew Mindler was born on November 23, 2001, in DuBois, Pennsylvania. He would go on to appear in movies like Bereavement (2010) and on TV shows such as Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. But he found fame with Our Idiot Brother, alongside stars Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, and Zooey Deschanel.

Mindler was also known for his role in the 2013 sci-fi/fantasy feature film Frequency and had appeared on the legendary daytime TV soap opera, As the World Turns. His final screen appearance was in the 2016 TV movie: Chad: An American Boy.

In the End

Matthew Mindler committed suicide by utilizing sodium nitrate, which is used to preserve foods (it kills by causing low blood pressure and limiting the flow of oxygen to the body).

Mindler had researched sodium nitrate and how it had been utilized to end life without pain and had purchased enough of it to kill four individuals.

Mindler's body was discovered on August 28, 2021, after he had gone missing in Manor Township several days before. The news was confirmed by Daniel A. Wubah, president of nearby Millersville University, where Mindler was a first-year student.

Lasting Impression

As with all too many former child stars before, during, and after his time, Matthew Mindler discovered that life in the spotlight does not always lead to happiness.

Fortunately, though his credits were few, the talented Mindler made an impression that will remain immortal on screen.