Matt Bellgowan, Beloved Husband, Father, and Friend, Dies at 47 in I‑96 Tragedy
LANSING, Mich. – Matt Bellgowan, a devoted husband, loving father, and admired friend and co‑worker, died Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in a tragic multi‑vehicle accident on Interstate 96 just after 3 p.m., his wife Danielle Bellgowan announced on Facebook. He was 47.
“Dear family and friends,” Danielle began. “What an awful message to share and such an impersonal way to share it… Tuesday, July 1, just after 3 pm, Matt was in an accident on I‑96. He was killed in the accident. He was a DEARLY loved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, co‑worker… We have been truly blessed by the outpouring of love and honor for Matt. We are heartbroken. Yet we rejoice for the life we built with him. In spite of our sadness, we are comforted by the knowledge that Matt is in the loving embrace of Jesus, the one who made him the great man he was. We look forward to the day we will see him again.”
Friends and family have expressed profound grief and gratitude following news of Matt’s passing. Suzanne Morris Ader, a close friend, recalled, “An early morning text from a friend informed me of the death of a mutual friend in a tragic highway accident yesterday. Matt Bellgowan was a husband and father and will be so deeply missed.” She urged the community to offer support to the Bellgowan family in the coming days.
Although funeral arrangements are pending, the community is already rallying to celebrate his life. Born and raised in the Lansing area, Matt grew into a compassionate leader both at work and in his personal life. Known for his selflessness, quiet strength, and unwavering faith, he was often described as “God’s soldier” and “the kind of man who gave without hesitation.”
In a heartfelt tribute, Matt’s brother reflected on his influence:
“He was a huge reason I fell in love with music… His influence shaped so much of who I became. He had the biggest heart. Selfless. God’s soldier. The kind of man who gave without hesitation, loved without condition, and stood as a real example of what a human being should be.”
The statement resonates as a testament to Matt’s role as mentor and role model. He loved sharing music—introducing his younger brother to Nine Inch Nails and Pearl Jam—and lived by example in all he did.
Beyond his musical mentorship, Matt took pride in his professional career, where colleagues note his integrity, work ethic, and collaborative spirit. He built a reputation as a thoughtful coworker who celebrated others’ successes just as much as his own. At home, he was a devoted family man, investing wholeheartedly in the lives of Danielle and their children, cherishing each moment spent together.
Matt’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched—wife and children, extended family, close friends, neighbors, and coworkers alike. His faith was central to who he was. Danielle’s words, “comforted by the knowledge that Matt is in the loving embrace of Jesus,” reflect the spiritual foundation on which he built his life and relationships.
In the wake of this tragedy, a community reflection on life’s fragility and the power of gratitude has emerged. A friend offered this heartfelt reminder:
“Life is precious and time is your most valuable asset… Willingness to adapt, change and learn and grow with gratitude and love and peace is the best way to walk into the future each day brings.”
A Life Remembered
Matt’s roles and relationships: Husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, co‑worker—titles that pale in comparison to the depth of his character.
Personal values: Selflessness, unconditional love, unwavering faith, mentorship, and generosity.
Passion and legacy: A love for music, strong spiritual foundation, encouragement of personal growth, and a genuine care for others.
Community impact: Warmth, mentorship, and inspiration radiating outward—to family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that friends honor Matt by practicing acts of kindness, embracing loved ones, and living each day with purpose, gratitude, and peace—values he held dear. Funeral and memorial service details will be shared once arrangements are finalized.
As Danielle wrote, “We have been truly blessed by the outpouring of love and honor for Matt.” In times of grief, the Bellgowan family has found solace in faith, fellowship, and the enduring memory of a life well lived.
