The football community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Matthew Alec Cohn, a 28-year-old aspiring NFL referee who was tragically found dead in Orlando, Florida. Cohn’s sudden passing has left fans, family, and peers in shock, as he was actively pursuing his dream of officiating in the National Football League.
According to reports, Cohn was discovered dead after jumping from the 12th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort near Walt Disney World. Authorities have ruled his death a suicide, marking a somber chapter in what had once been a story of determination, ambition, and potential.
(Source: New York Post)
Who Was Matthew Alec Cohn?
Cohn was an aspiring NFL referee.Instagram/Matthew Cohn
Cohn was an aspiring NFL referee. Instagram/Matthew Cohn
Matthew Cohn was more than just a referee—he was a young man chasing a lifelong dream. His social media pages were filled with images of him in officiating gear, hashtags like #PathToNFL, and motivational quotes that showed his commitment to the craft.
Friends and colleagues described him as driven, passionate, and full of heart—someone who took pride in learning the game’s finer details and one day hoped to walk onto an NFL field, whistle in hand.
Cohn also pursued a passion for music, producing tracks under the name New Shepards and releasing songs on SoundCloud. He had lived in Los Angeles and Nashville before recently moving back to Winter Garden, Florida, to live with his parents while working toward his officiating goals.
(Source: New York Post)
Details Surrounding His Death
Reports say Cohn checked into the Contemporary Resort on the evening before his death and paid for his room in cash. The following morning, he was found dead after a fatal fall from the building’s 12th floor.
The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Cohn died from “multiple traumatic injuries” and ruled the case a suicide. His death is one of several recent tragedies at Walt Disney World properties this month, drawing renewed attention to mental health awareness and public safety within high-pressure career paths.
The Hidden Pressures of Chasing the NFL Dream
Becoming an NFL referee is one of the most demanding career paths in sports. It often takes years of officiating experience at the high school, college, and semi-pro levels before even being considered for the professional ranks.
Officials undergo constant evaluation, travel frequently, and face heavy scrutiny from fans and coaches. Despite not being in the spotlight, their performance is crucial — and mistakes are magnified on national television.
Cohn’s journey reflects that struggle. His visible drive and professional demeanor showed someone willing to put in the work — and while he didn’t yet make it to the NFL, he embodied the spirit of those who strive to reach it.
A Reminder About Mental Health in Sports
Matthew Alec Cohn was identified as the guest at Disney World who died after jumping off of a hotel last week.Instagram/Matthew Cohn
Matthew Alec Cohn was identified as the guest at Disney World who died after jumping off of a hotel last week. Instagram/Matthew Cohn
Cohn’s passing serves as a reminder that ambition and passion don’t protect against pain. Mental-health challenges are common across sports professions — from players and coaches to referees and broadcasters.
The tragedy has sparked calls online for better mental-health resources for sports officials and aspiring referees, who often operate under high pressure and with little public support.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. In the U.S., call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
Remembering Matthew Cohn
Matthew Alec Cohn will be remembered for his determination, creativity, and love for the game of football. Though his life ended far too soon, his dream to wear the stripes on an NFL field continues to inspire those following in his footsteps.
He was more than an aspiring referee — he was a son, a friend, a musician, and a reminder of the resilience required to chase a dream.
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