Anthem Community Mourns Crash Victim
Anthem residents mourned Matt Thiss, 36, who died in a single-car crash Thursday evening on Gavilan Peak Parkway near King Drive in Anthem. Hundreds of people on social media expressed sadness and condolences and offers to help the family.
“Matt loved to laugh and he was always there to give you a big hug and a smile,” said Sandy Wagner Struss, a friend of the family. “He was eager to offer assistance.”
The Thiss family moved to Anthem in 1999 when the town was just getting started, Struss said, making them “original Anthem pioneers.” He is survived by his mom, Patty Thiss, sisters Kim and Monica, and a brother, Ryan, she said.
A memorial fund has been set up for the family at Deer Valley Credit Union, account No. 849464, in the name of Matt Thiss. Anyone wishing to contribute can do so at the credit union, located at 3428 W. Anthem Way.
UPDATE, Feb. 6: Services will be held Thursday, Feb. 8, with visitation with the family starting at 9:15 a.m. and the service beginning at 10 a.m. at Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV) in Anthem, 39905 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway. A graveside service will follow at the Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary at 200 West Beardsley Road, near Loop 101 and 7th Ave.
All family, friends & community welcome, Struss said.
