The Heartbreaking Death Of Former Child Star Matthew Mindler
Family and friends are mourning the loss of Matthew Mindler, a former child actor who was found dead at the age of 19 after disappearing from his college campus. Mindler costarred with Paul Rudd and Elizabeth Banks in "Our Idiot Brother," and appeared on the soap opera "As the World Turns." His most recent acting credit was in 2016's "Chad: An American Boy," starring former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Nasim Pedrad (via IMDb).
Mindler decided to take a break from acting to focus on his education. He was in his first year at Millersville University, which is located in Lancaster County in Pennsylvania (via Millersville University). He was last seen leaving his residence hall around 8:11 p.m. local time on August 24, 2021. University officials explained that Mindler attended his classes on Monday and Tuesday, but was reported missing on Wednesday night after missing that day's classes and failing to "return to his room or return phone calls from his family."
"University Police are in contact with Matt's mother and are working with campus staff for assistance in locating Matt," the school said in a statement. "University Police filed a missing adult report with the National Crime Information Center this afternoon, less than 24 hours after the initial report and have also notified local police departments."
Police searched for Matthew Mindler for days
After Matthew Mindler disappeared from his college campus, family and friends held out hope the 19-year-old former child actor would be found safe. Sadly, his school announced that Mindler had died. "It is with a grieving heart that I let you know of the death of 19-year-old Matthew Mindler from Hellertown, Pennsylvania, a first-year student at Millersville University," Millersville University President Daniel A. Wubah announced on Instagram. "Matthew was found deceased this morning, Saturday, August 28 in Manor Township near campus. Matthew was transported to the Lancaster County Forensic Center by the coroner for further investigation."
The cause of death has not been released as of publication. Mindler leaves behind his mother, Monica, who had confirmed to The Morning Call that her son had not acted for several years. Social media tributes started to pour in soon after the revelation that his body had been found. "I met Matthew Mindler on the set of 'Our Idiot Brother.' (I was Christian Smith in that film.) We didn't have any scenes together, but we talked on-set. He was a sweet child and a gifted actor. Just gutted to hear about his death. 19 was WAY too young," actor Hugh Michael Horace Dancy posted on Twitter.