When the Wind Dies Down

Matthew Jordan McHale was a force of nature: intelligent, bold, restless, and impossible to ignore. He moved loudly through this world as he was meant to. Now at age 35, the storm that was Matthew has passed but will not be forgotten. 

Matthew was born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana, a place he loved. From the beginning, he made his presence known. He was quick-witted, animated, irreverent, stubborn, curious, loyal and fiercely himself. He would argue a point simply because it deserved to be argued (as Irish men do while pushing every button and making everyone laugh). 

Matthew was complex. His struggles with substance use disorder brought pain, uncertainty, and heartbreak to him and to those who loved him. However, Matthew was much more than his tragic addiction. He was overflowing with unrealized potential. On a different path, he might have become an actor, a sketch comedy writer, a creative chef, or the star of any show. These possibilities felt less like wishful thinking and more like a continuation of the person he already was: Quick, inventive, observant, funny, and impossible to contain.

From his grandfather, Michael, he inherited a brilliant, curious, agile mind. From his grandmother, Mary Ann, he inherited a gentle compassion and an instinct to care for vulnerable animals. He had a kind heart, and empathy was central to his essence. He was an excellent cook who could look at minimal ingredients and somehow turn them into a meal worthy of gathering family. He was resourceful and endlessly creative. Matthew fused these attributes to use humor to soothe himself and others. 

On September 19, 2026, at 4:28 a.m., Matthew’s life ended in Indianapolis. He died surrounded by loved ones while in the extraordinary care of the trauma team at Indiana University Methodist Hospital. 

Matthew was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mary Ann (Rich) McHale; his great-grandmothers, Josephine (O’Farrell) Rich and Phyllis R. (Thompson) McHale; and his great-grandfather, Dencil S. Rich. 

We understand obituaries are for the decedent; however, this author (Matthew’s mother) also honors the following family who spoke or thought his name daily whether in prayer or exasperation: his sister, Madeline McHale; his brother, Cal Riedley; his cousin, Bridget Murray; and his best friend, Ryan Arsenault. 

His family, those who knew him well, and all those who witnessed his last breath will recall the good times. The laughter, the arguments, the stories, the meals, the stubbornness, the grit, the tenderness and the moments that made Matthew unmistakably Matthew, live on. His life was struggle and possibility, pain and humor, restlessness and love. We do remember and will remember how fiercely and lovingly he lived. 

Meaningful agencies actively clothed and fed Matthew and took very good care of him when he needed their care. Should you wish to make a contribution, please consider these organizations: 

New Leaf, New Life, https://www.newleafnewlife.org/

Shalom Community Center (Beacon), https://beaconinc.org/ . 

A short time of gathering will take place at Valhalla Memory Gardens, (310 North Johnson Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47404) at 10:30 am until the time of the service. A short inurnment service for Matthew will take place at Valhalla Memorial Gardens, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11:00 am.

We are left with profound sadness and loving memories, and we joyfully trust that Matthew is without further pain, hunger or want and is in the loving arms of Mother Mary, enveloped in her grace and mercy. We thank the community of Bloomington for taking care of our son, our brother, our cousin, our nephew, our grandson, our best friend, our funny, boisterous guy, Matthew. Rest now, Son. All is calm.