RICHFIELD SPRINGS, N.Y. -- "Jacob was just the nicest, kindest kid just always going around smiling, always happy just mature beyond his years," said Joe D'Apice, principal of Richfield Springs' Jr./Sr. High School.
Jacob Matteson just turned 18. He was a senior at Richfield Springs Central School and always knew how to put a smile on someone's face.
"He was literally and figuratively the cheerleader for the school. He was on the cheerleading team and he was just such a bright spot in the school," said school superintendent Daniel Myers.
Matteson was always lending a helping hand. You'd find him serving breakfast to the younger kids in the cafeteria every morning and giving encouragement to not only the students but also the staff.
"His fifth grade teacher came by to see me a couple minutes ago and she said every single day he would stop by and give her a hug and tell the kids they really needed to listen to her because she had important things to say," said Myers.
But on Tuesday when school started again after a long holiday weekend, something was missing and sadness filled the hallways.
Early Sunday morning Matteson was in a car accident on County Route 22 in Otsego.
State Police say his car veered into the oncoming lane and he overcorrected, causing his car to flip. He died at the scene.
D'Apice said, "Unfortunately we're no stranger to tragedy here. Our staff and students are very resilient, we're persevering, we're there for each other and we're doing our best to get through it."
"It's a sad day in Richfield," said Myers.
The school opened their doors Monday to offer counseling services to all faculty and students and continued offering those services Tuesday. But school officials say being in good company is the best medicine they can offer right now.
Calling hours for Matteson will be held Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Church of Christ Uniting in Richfield Springs. The funeral will be Thursday at 1 p.m. at the same location.