Matthew Ashley Karriker, beloved son, brother, nephew, and friend, passed away on March 15, 2026, at the age of 32. Born on September 22, 1993, in Columbus, Georgia, Matt spent his life in the city he called home, leaving behind a community forever touched by his warmth and generosity.

Matt had a gift for bringing people together, and nowhere was that more evident than in the kitchen. A talented chef at Gabagool’s Italian Restaurant in Columbus, he channeled his big heart into every dish he created — feeding not just the body, but the spirit of everyone lucky enough to gather around his table. Cooking wasn’t just a career for Matt; it was one of the ways he showed love.

Those who knew Matt knew they were in the presence of someone rare — a person with a genuinely generous soul who gave freely of himself without a second thought. His warmth was the kind that made people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for.

Matthew is survived by his father, Charles Ashley Karriker, and his stepmother, Beth West Karriker. He is also survived by his beloved brother,  Wesley Keehn stepsisters, Julia Mancini Griffith and Sarah Catherine Mancini, and his step niece, Eleanor Caroline Griffith. He is further survived by his aunts, Amy Loftin and her wife Jessi, and Amanda Cordell and her wife Sarah, and his uncle, Darin Cordell and his husband Jason Pearce. He was preceded in death by his mother, Hope Cordell.

Matt may be gone far too soon, but the love he poured into his life — into his food, his family, and the people fortunate enough to know him — will not fade. He was, simply put, one of the good ones.

Rest easy, Matt.