West Bend police confirm they are investigating an unattended death at a hotel in West Bend and the victim has been identified as Matt Roberts (photo above), a musician who had played with the band 3 Doors Down.
According to West Bend Police Lieutenant Rob Lloyd, “We’re investigating the death of a 38-year-old male, there’s no signs of trauma to the body and an autopsy is scheduled for Sunday.”
Police also posted, “a man was either asleep or passed out in the hallway at the Hampton Inn, 1975 S. 18th St. West Bend Police and Fire Departments responded and found the man was deceased. Emergency responders attempted to revive the man, but were unable to. There were no signs of trauma on the body, and the cause of death is unknown at this time.”
Roberts was in town on Friday as he was scheduled to make a guest appearance Saturday, Aug. 20 at the Rockin’ For Heroes concert at Our Place Sports Pub & Grill, 4721 Highway 33 in West Bend.
Roberts, one of the founders of the American Rock band, had been over at the home of Nick Pari, lead singer of the group NIX.
Pari had put the concert together and brought in Roberts as a guest headliner to perform at a charity event with proceeds benefiting the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight.
Pari said they wrapped up practice at his house around 1 a.m. Saturday morning and a couple hours later he had an investigator at his door.
“He came in and said I have some bad news for you and told me what had happened and I was quite literally in shock,” said Pari. “I had just been with him rehearsing and him and I got along so well and he’s such a nice guy and all of a sudden…”
NIX drummer Chris Cauwels said he couldn’t believe the news. “I was the one who reached out to Matt who is a Facebook friend of mine. He left 3 Doors Down in 2012 and he graciously agreed to do the show and fly up here and support the troops,” he said.
Cauwels said Roberts didn’t think twice about coming out to West Bend to do the show because 3 Doors Down had always been “for the troops.”
“A little after 1 a.m. we wrapped up rehearsal and he went back to the Hampton Inn & Suites and the next thing I know I wake up and heard the news.
“This is just another tragedy and it hits too close to home,” Cauwels said.
As NIX went through its soundcheck on Saturday afternoon, Pari said the concert will go on as planned.
“We’re going to bring Matt’s father up and he’s going to say a few words and we’re going to bring Matt’s guitar up on stage and put some flowers on it and the entire 3 Doors Down performance will be dedicated to him,” said Pari.
For as much as Pari tried to move forward, he still said he couldn’t believe it. “We’ve been walking around in a daze all day. I very much care for this event for the Honor Flight and the veterans but this is horrible,” he said.
TMZ is reporting Roberts died “of an apparent overdose” however West Bend police would not confirm.
TMZ spoke with Darrell Roberts who said he “believes the possible OD was accidental.”
Roberts photo courtesy www.usmagazine.com
TMZ
I worked at the Hampton the day he was found. It was a very sad morning for all who worked there. (He was also suppose to do an apperance at my other job Exclusive for a signing.) The day after his passing the housekeepers went to the place he passed and said a prayer for him. He shall be missed.