Matthew Skura’s mom Cheryl Vinall was happy with the huge response to an all-day blood donor clinic held at Blacklock Elementary School on Sunday. The clinic was put together in memory of her son who was killed five years ago.
Even in death Matt is giving the gift of life, through all the people who came out to donate blood that day, she said. Skura’s parents said they hope to make the blood donor clinic an annual event.
It was May 28, 2009 when Skura, 21, was hanging out with his friends. They’d been drinking and had a run-in with a group of teens who were also inebriated.
Words were exchanged and then punches.
One of the teens charged at Skura’s longtime friend, knocking him out. When Skura pulled the attacker away, he was delivered a sucker-punch blow, sending him to the ground. Once there, another teen delivered what would prove to be a fatal kick to Skura’s head.
He died in hospital on May 29. In late 2010, two teens were found guilty of manslaughter in connection with his death.