ABOUT THREE IN EVERY TEN Americans will be involved in an

ALCOHOL-RELATED CRASH in their LIFETIME. (MADD)

"One of the saddest realities of our culture is that every forty-five minutes someone is killed by a drunk driver."  (NATSA)

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In the early hours of Saturday, March 7th, 2009, Matthew Maher made the fatal decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol.  Traveling at a high rate of speed on the Atlantic City Expressway, Matthew struck the vehicle of 55 year-old Hort Kap, husband and father of six children.  Mr. Kap was pronounced dead at the scene and Matthew was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter. Matthew's poor decision to drink and drive would tragically change many lives.  He was eventually sentenced to 5 years 5 months in prison, of which he must serve 85 percent of his time.

Prior to Matt's sentencing on January 7th, 2010, a presentation was created by the South Jersey Traffic Safety Alliance featuring the story of Matt's life called,"I'm That Guy"

Matt was "That Guy" who grew up achieving in every area of his life.  He was a role model, active in his community, excelled in academics and athletics, earned himself a full scholarship to Temple University, and eventually signed a professional contract as a soccer player.

Now he is "That Guy," a drunk driver, who killed an innocent man

and who now resides in prison.

The "I'm that Guy" presentation was presented to over 34 schools in just three months reaching over 7000 students.  It is a powerful testimony of how "decisions determine destiny" and a cautionary tale about the dangers and consequences of drinking and driving.

But the story doesn't end there...

Matthew has dedicated himself to honoring the memory of his victim, Mr. Hort Kap, by continuing the call of finding purpose in unspeakable tragedy.  His story is compelling in that it exemplifies the power of forgiveness and redemption.  It challenges us to ask ourselves: "Can my faith really sustain me in life-changing trials and uncertainty?"  This story is a living example of how bad things can happen to good people.  It's about choices, consequences and how our actions can change countless lives--for the good or bad. It offers hope and an eternal perspective in navigating the storms that enter our lives.

Matt has experienced what it means to go from the height of success to the depths of sorrow.  He says, "If they told me I could leave prison tomorrow, I would refuse because God is teaching me so much and I have more to learn."

We've committed ourselves to posting Matt's handwritten journals, mailed home from prison, to serve as an encouragement to all who visit. We hope to spread the message that with God's help, one can find hope in hopeless situations, and turn failure into a greater purpose of changing, impacting and ultimately saving lives.

Come join Matt,

as he writes from prison, about the powerful lessons of his journey through

" I'm That Guy: The Blog "

Matthew Maher had all the benefits of a strong family background. His parents, John and Andrea have four sons. John is a retired Police Chief and currently Executive Undersheriff of the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office. He is also the head coach for varsity soccer at Middle Township High School. Andrea was a stay-at-home mom and very involved in all of her boys activities, as well as in her local community. When her boys were in grade school, she taught at the local Christian school, bartering her time for their tuition. When they entered high school, she petitioned the federal government for a grant to teach abstinence education in the public schools. She was awarded a Title V grant and co-wrote The Peer Challenge Program, which was presented county-wide in area schools. She also writes a monthly column, "Family Matters," in the Cape May County Herald Newspaper. John and Andrea are very active in their church and have taught the adult Sunday School class for over ten years.Andrea’s parents lived with them for over 20 years prior to their recent deaths. Her mother passed away unexpectedly in January, 2009--just months before Matt's accident and her father became ill this past year and passed away in March 2011.

The Maher home has always been host to numerous family gatherings as they have a large extended family and most live within close proximity. Matthew is the youngest of four children. His oldest brother,John, died at age 28, Anthony, age 31, is married to the former Anne Collins; they have one child, Roman John. Michael, age 29, is married to the former Jennifer Kleuskins; he is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a Lieutenant in the United States Navy.

Matthew was raised in a very loving Christian home where family values were not only taught, but lived out. Matthew and his brothers attended Christian school up until the eighth grade and then transferred to public high school. They were high achievers in academics and athletics and were taught to always give 110% in every area of their lives. Each of the Maher boys had the privilege of serving as President of the Middle Township High School Bible Club at various times throughout their high school years. Anthony, Michael, and Matthew all earned college scholarships, were college captains of their soccer teams, and have enjoyed giving back to their community by running youth camps and tournaments. Throughout high school and college, Matt was a speaker for the Peer Challenge Program and organized a chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Temple University.Matthew "had it all," some might say, and was working his way to the top of his profession as a soccer player when one reckless decision to drink and drive changed everything.

This web page is dedicated to the victim, Mr. Hort Kap, with the hopes that others would learn from Matt’s story that details an almost instantaneous departure from “that guy,” who had everything to “that guy,” who sits in prison regretting his decision to drive after drinking.

His loving family support has continued as those who know and love Matthew are looking at this tragedy as an opportunity for him to rise above his current circumstances and influence countless lives with his story--all in an effort to honor his victim. Most importantly, the Kap family has granted forgiveness to Matt. Andrea and Hort Kap’s oldest daughter Somaly have become friends; their mutual bond is their faith in God. Both families are dedicated to working together to ensure Matt’s story about the dangers of drinking and driving is told to as many people as possible. But more than that, they are committed to demonstrate what greater purpose can prevail when we allow God to work in the midst of great tragedy.

Matthew Maher grew up in a very competitive atmosphere being the youngest of four brothers, who were all stand-out athletes. He can remember vying to keep up with his older brothers from the time he could walk. He never left the house without either a ball on his foot or a ball in his hand. Basketball and soccer were family passions and Matt excelled at both. The foundational principles of Christianity were taught to all of the Maher boys with the hopes that they would withstand peer pressure, make wise decisions, and influence their peers for Christ.

High academic achievement was also stressed in his home and Matt graduated high school with a 3.97 GPA and in the top ten percent of his class. He was involved in all aspects of high school life from Student Council to Bible Club to the National Honor Society. He eventually was awarded a full academic and athletic scholarship to Temple University.

Matthew's soccer skills were honed at a young age playing with the Cape Express Soccer Club. At the age of 12, he and his family made a decision to move him to the Pittsgrove Soccer Club, a team that would eventually win a state championship. He was a player with the Olympic Development Program and his team would earn the tile  region champions for two years.

In high school, Matt, as a starting point guard, won back to back S.J. Titles and in 2002 NJSIAA Group II State Championship. In soccer, he was named to the New Jersey Soccer Coaches Association All State 2nd Team, and was one of the leading scorers in South Jersey with 33 goals. He played for the South Jersey Barons for 3 years in their Player Development Program. 

During his time at Temple University, Matt was named to the Atlantic 10 Conference All Rookie Team. He would earn captain honors and was named to the Philadelphia Soccer Seven All Star team in January 2007.

Prior to graduation from Temple, where he held a dual major of Business and Legal Studies, Matthew was drafted 1^st round, ninth pick by Miami FC.  Since that would require Matt to leave school early, Matt turned down that contract offer.  He eventually signed a contract with the Carolina Railhawks, where his older brother Anthony was a veteran player.  In 2007, he was drafted 1^st round, second pick for the New Jersey Ironmen of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL).  In 2009, he, once again joined his older brother Anthony and signed a contract with the Philadelphia Kixx.

Matthew's entire life was marked by good decision making and thoughtful steps towards each of his goals.  Except one night when he made the tragic decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol. 

On Friday, March 1^st, 2009, Matt Maher tore his ACL in a game with the Philadelphia Kixx.  Before the team Doctor even examined him, he knew it was a serious injury. In the ensuing days, Matt's mind was plagued with thoughts about his future, and the reality that his professional career might be over.  Instead of relying on his faith, he drowned his sorrows bar-hopping in Philadelphia.  That poor decision would tragically change many lives.  In the early hours of Saturday, March 7^th, 2009 and while driving under the influence of alcohol, Matthew hit Mr. Hort Kap's vehicle on the Atlantic City Expressway.  Mr. Kap was pronounced dead at the scene.  One bad decision would forever blot out all the good decisions he had made in his life.  Taking responsibility for one's actions was taught in the Maher house, and Matt is doing his best to take an adverse situation to make a difference for others.  It is his hope to use his story as a real life example, of how one can have all the right things in place, but ruin countless lives due to drinking and driving.  It is his heartfelt desire to spread the message that God is at work even in the midst of the storm.

On March 7, 2009, Matthew Maher’s life would change in a drastic way. It was on that night that he made the poor decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol. That decision would impact many lives and result in the tragic death of an innocent man, Mr. Hort Kap. Matt shares openly how he felt shame, sorrow, guilt, and despair, and had wished that it had been him who died that night. It was very difficult to process the fact that his careless actions had caused the death of an innocent man. Matt and his family prayed for God to comfort and care for the Hort Kap family through this awful time. They prayed that Matthew would one day find forgiveness from the family. And they prayed for greater purpose from their Heavenly Father to bring some good from this horrendous tragedy.

A month after the accident, Mr. Don Chew, proctor of the Middle Township Bible Club, left a message asking Matt if he would be willing to come and speak to the students about his ordeal. Matt had formerly served as the Bible Club president but considering the recent turn of events, he hardly felt qualified to speak. Matt prayed about it, and expressed that if he had no problem standing up and speaking when things were good, then he should assume full responsibility and stand up in the midst of his shame and failure. He wanted desperately to make something right out of a very wrong situation. Matt agreed to speak and much to his surprise, he experienced a sense of relief in addressing his failures head on.But more than that, the students’ positive response was encouraging and many thanked him for helping to "change their thinking." On Thursday, October 7th, Matt pled guilty to the charge of aggravated manslaughter. His sentencing date was to be Thursday, January 7th.

Prior to Matt’s sentencing, a presentation was created by the South Jersey Traffic Safety Alliance featuring the story of Matt’s life called, “I’m That Guy.” The response was startling. Matt’s facebook page was gaining tons of “friend requests.” His message box was full everyday and e-mails were pouring in. One day, a message came in from a young man, who shared how after hearing Matt speak, he got out of someone’s car when he smelled alcohol. That car crashed that night, and the back seat of the car was demolished. He thanked Matt for saving his life. It felt good to make a difference.

On Januray, 7th, 2010, Matt was sentenced to five years, 5 months in prison in which he must serve 85% of his time. The presiding Judge Michael Donio was so impressed with the impact of the DVD, he ordered copies for every school in Cape May and Atlantic Counties.

During the emotional court hearing, the son of Mr. Hort Kap forgave Matt publicly.The family of Mr. Kap and Matt’s family met in a private room after sentencing, so the Mahers could express their personal sympathy to each member of the victim’s family. The meeting ended with both families holding hands and sharing a prayer. That gracious gesture of forgiveness alleviated a huge burden off Matt’s shoulders, although he refers to the guilt that he still carries over Mr. Kap’s death as his “own personal prison.” Matt has committed himself to honoring the memory of Mr. Hort Kap by sharing his story and the lessons he’s learned with as many people as possible. He hopes to have the opportunity to continue to share his presentation while he's incarcerated and for the remainder of his lifetime.

Matt has experienced what it means to go from the height of success to the depths of sorrow. It is his heart's desire to encourage others to cling to their faith and look for greater purpose in the midst of life's difficulties. Matt has embraced this "storm" as an opportunity for tremendous growth and intends to work toward sharpening himself spiritually, mentally and physically while serving his sentence in prison. Although still plagued with guilt and shame over his actions, he is trusting that there is a greater purpose in this tragedy and that beauty will indeed rise from the ashes. He continually strives to "Be Still" in the midst of chaos and confusion and hopes to one day regain the trust and respect of his peers and community. In the meantime...Matt invites you to join him as he writes from prison, about the powerful lessons of his journey through “I’m That Guy: The Blog.”