Memorial service held for the man known as ‘SLOStringer’
A community in mourning filled with emotion came together to honor the life and legacy of Matthew Frank on Wednesday morning.
“It’s incredible how many people one person can touch,” says Scott Corsiglia, a friend of Frank’s.
Frank was a photojournalist who went by the name of SLOStringer. He covered breaking news in San Luis Obispo County.
People who knew him say he never wanted glory or attention for his work.
Instead, he wanted to highlight the importance and work of first responders and be the source for updated information about what was happening in their community.
“He connected our citizens with an on scene, first person, perspective in emergencies occurring in our community, he do so in a manner to capture the drama but not manufacture it,” says Chief Garrett Olson with the San Luis Obispo Fire Department.
His friends, family and even people who never met Frank filled the Mountainbrook Church in San Luis Obispo.
The memorial gave them another chance to remember the man who meant so much to them.
“I was so proud to say I am SLOStringer’s mom, I always wanted to say that, his dad and I were so proud busting at the seams,” says Jacquelyn Frank, his mom.
He’s a man many called “their hero.”
“He was the eyes and ears, I work a couple of hundred of miles away during the week my family is here and he is how I knew they were safe,” says Corsiglia.
Frank died last weekend doing what he loved, chasing news.
His car crashed as he was on his way to a fire in Atascadero early in the morning.
His best friend spoke at the service and explained how the man, SLOStringer, all came about.
“We would drive and be listening to music, people watching, until we heard a call on the radio and would go to check,” says Dustin Kingma.
His parents Jacquelyn and Steve Frank held hands during the service. Matthew was their only son and the center of their lives.
“For myself, for my family, it’s been overwhelming the demonstration of love from the community,” says Debbie Shick, his aunt.
A vigil will be held for Frank on Wednesday, April 5, from 5 to 8 p.m at the Old Mission in San Luis Obispo.
