Matthew Potel, a Binghamton University student who was killed by a fall while hiking Mount Coldon in the Adirondack Mountains last Friday, will be remembered not only for his love of the outdoors, but also for “being a hero,” according to his mother Cynthia Potel.
Potel, a senior majoring in environmental studies, was leading a University-sponsored hiking trip attended by seven other students in the Adirondacks when he fell 25 feet down a steep gorge and died due to severe head trauma, according to a report in The Journal News, a Lower Hudson Valley newspaper.
Mount Coldon, the 11th-tallest peak in the Adirondack Mountains, had been reopened to hikers in late September after it was closed because of “dangerous conditions following Hurricane Irene,” according to the Journal report.
Mark Potel, Matthew’s father, said his son was trying to help two female students who had become stuck on a ravine, when he lost his footing and fell backward.
Potel had completed the Mount Coldon hike more than once in the past.
“He had done this many times before,” his mother said. “He planned the trip, and he was [the other students’] leader.”
Potel was a “46er,” meaning he had climbed the 46 highest peaks in the Adirondacks Mountains, which range in height from 3,820 to 5,344 feet.
POTEL’S FRIENDS AND FAMILY SPEAK
Potel had just celebrated his 22nd birthday on Sept. 20. Members of his family said they would remember him by his love of the outdoors and hiking.
“This was his love, his passion — what he wanted to do with his life,” Mark Potel said.
Friends of Potel agreed that he was the happiest when he was doing something outside.
“His death is tragic and he died helping people and that’s very typical of Matt, he was always willing to help another person and he loved doing it,” said Tomasz Falkowski, a senior double-majoring in bioengineering and environmental studies. “What I remember about Matt the best was that whenever I saw him, whether it was in between classes or before a trip, he always had a big grin on his face that was welcoming and showed his warm personality.”
Kaila Pfister, executive vice president of Outdoors Club and a sophomore majoring in history, echoed this sentiment.
“Matt would want people to be happy,” Pfister said. “He crammed so much life experience and fun into 22 years of life. Try to remember him as an inspiration to go and out and live. He helped people that never would have left their dorm room realize what was right outside in the Nature Preserve and how beautiful Binghamton could be if you just looked a little.”
A memorial service was held in Potel’s hometown, Croton-on-the-Hudson, today.
Potel’s family has asked that donations be made to the Adirondack Scholarship Foundation (ASF) in lieu of flowers for Matthew, according to the Journal report. The Adirondack Foundation is a not-for-profit organization created by Pok-O-MacCready Camps’ owner Jack Swan.
“The Foundation’s sole purpose is to raise funds, through donation, in order to help finance a child’s tuition to summer camp at Pok-O-MacCready,” said Tim Singer, the director of the Adirondack Scholarship Foundation.
Singer said both Pok-O-MacCready Camp and the ASF are saddened by the loss of Potel.
“He was truly a shining star at camp, always full of spirit, energy and happiness,” he said.
UNIVERSITY’S RESPONSE
A B-Line message was sent out to all Binghamton University students on Saturday, Oct. 1 informing them of Potel’s death and that the University was making counseling services available to anyone affected by it.
“Matthew was an important member of the Binghamton University community and we deeply mourn his loss,” stated BU President C. Peter Magrath. “His death is a shocking tragedy and he will be missed by our entire campus community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.”
Potel was involved with various campus groups including Binghamton Environmental and Outdoors Club, of which he was co-president.
Craig Dube, assistant director of Campus Recreational Services, said he knew Potel for three years because of his leadership role in the Outdoors Club. He said the club expanded tremendously under Matt’s leadership to include activities like apple picking, a walk through the Nature Preserve, rock wall climbing at Cornell University and more.
“Matt always displayed a passion and enthusiasm when discussing anything outdoor-related,” Dube said. “Matt grew into a tremendous leader for the club, he will be missed.”
Potel was also an active intramural basketball participant. Dube recalled Potel psyching his team up, telling them, “this is our year to win the championship.”
OUTDOORS CLUB SHARES MEMORIES OF POTEL
The Outdoors Club held its weekly meeting last night, but dedicated most of the meeting to remembering Potel. More than 120 people filled the Old Union Hall to share memories.
Dube began the meeting by giving assurances that anyone who wanted counseling help could receive it through the University Counseling Services.
“You do have a great support system in place here and I encourage you to utilize it,” Dube said.
Instead of focusing on the details of the tragedy, Dube encouraged students to share their memories of Potel.
“Out of respect for Matt and his family, I want to be sure we focus on all the great things Matt did,” Dube said.
Dean of Students Elizabeth Droz said that her office will be working hard to help students cope with the death of Potel.
“Everybody experiences loss in a different way and my job is to help you proceed,” Droz said.
The Outdoors Club has various plans to commemorate Potel around campus.
Club members proposed a temporary “wall of remembrance” to be put up by the New University Union entrance outside the M&T Bank where people could put pictures, quotes or flowers.
A memorial ceremony is tentatively scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 by the wall of remembrance.
The group also wants to plant a tree on campus dedicated to Potel and put a bench at the top of the Nature Preserve where people can go “think back on the good times with Matt.”
Yesterday’s Outdoor Club meeting ended with a 10-minute slideshow of Potel and his friends.
Many students stuck around after the meeting to reminisce about Potel and share their memories of him with one another.
“He was a really amazing individual,” Pfister said. “He always made everyone feel welcome and comfortable in the club and always get so excited to see people regardless of how he was feeling or how his own day went.”
Pfister said that Potel was always willing to help anyone learn how to do something and explain it.
“I didn’t know much about the outdoors before I joined the club and now I am vice president because of his guidance,” Pfister said.