Motorcyclist killed in crash was ex-UNR football player, soldier

By Cara McCoy

Friday, April 3, 2009 | 7:27 p.m.

The 24-year-old motorcyclist who died Wednesday in a Henderson crash was a former UNR football player and a National Guardsman, the university said today.

Matthew Martin Sneck, a walk-on defensive lineman, died from injuries suffered while being thrown from his motorcycle after striking a palm tree, according to reports from the Henderson Police Department.

Investigators said Sneck was riding his 2002 Kawasaki ZX-12 at a high rate of speed at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in an area west of Lake Mead Parkway and south of Desert Wetlands Park. The motorcycle struck a curb and Sneck lost control, police said. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

He was pronounced dead at Sunrise Hospital.

Sneck quit the football team after one season when he was called back to active duty by the U.S. Army National Guard, assistant football coach Cameron Norcross said.

"I'm just sickened by the loss," Norcross said. "I feel for the family. He was a wonderful young man with a bright future."

Norcross said Sneck's commitment to service to his country made his teammates think hard about their futures.

"He gave up a dream when he was called to duty," Norcross said.

The university's public relations office confirmed that Sneck was no longer enrolled as a student, but had sophomore status when he left the school.

A memorial service is planned for Wednesday in Henderson at the National Guard office.