Mattea Roach was a young woman who had a bright future ahead of her. She was a talented artist, a passionate environmentalist, and a beloved daughter and friend. But in the summer of 2018, her life was tragically cut short.
On July 8th, 2018, Mattea was out for a run in her hometown of Portland, Oregon. She was a regular runner and had been running for years, but this time something was different. As she ran, she noticed a man following her. He was wearing a hoodie and had a backpack slung over his shoulder.
Mattea tried to ignore the man and keep running, but he kept following her. She eventually stopped and asked him what he wanted. He told her he wanted her to come with him. She refused and tried to run away, but he grabbed her and dragged her into a nearby alley.
Once in the alley, the man pulled out a knife and threatened to kill her if she didn’t do what he said. He then sexually assaulted her and left her in the alley. Mattea was able to make it back to her apartment, but she was severely traumatized by the attack.
The police were called and they began an investigation. They were able to identify the man as a local homeless man named John Doe. He was arrested and charged with rape and kidnapping.
Unfortunately, the trauma of the attack was too much for Mattea. She suffered from severe depression and anxiety and was unable to cope with the trauma. On August 5th, 2018, Mattea took her own life.
Mattea’s death was a tragedy that shook her community. She was a beloved daughter, friend, and artist. Her death was a reminder of the dangers that women face every day and the importance of speaking out against sexual assault and violence.
Mattea’s family and friends have since set up a foundation in her name to help support victims of sexual assault and violence. The Mattea Roach Foundation works to provide resources and support to survivors of sexual assault and violence.
Mattea’s death was a tragedy, but her legacy lives on. Her story is a reminder of the importance of speaking out against sexual assault and violence and of the need for more resources and support for survivors. Mattea’s story is a reminder that we must all work together to create a world where everyone is safe and respected.
