Remembering SLO Stringer
Photo from Facebook.
–30-year-old Matthew Frank, who operated the popular Facebook news page SLO Stringer, died in an early-morning car crash Tuesday near the Cuesta Grade. Reports say that Frank was on his way to cover a house fire in Atascadero.
Frank ran the SLO Stringer page anonymously, and although the public did not know his name, they relied on him for breaking news updates, public safety information, and coverage of different emergencies around the county. His reporting was known for being neutral, accurate, and he was the first on the scene more often than not.
Matthew Frank
Cal Fire issued a statement about Frank:
“CAL FIRE/San Luis Obispo County Fire is saddened to discover that the life lost in the early morning vehicle accident on Highway 101 near the Highway 58 off ramp was that of Matthew Frank. Mr. Frank enjoyed anonymity while reporting from behind the scenes as SLO Stringer. He was quite often the first reporter with breaking news around the county, providing details and pictures. He was an advocate for public safety with a great deal of respect for the jobs performed by our firefighters and police officers. We send our condolences to Mr. Frank’s family and friends. His services to the residents of San Luis Obispo County and the media will be greatly missed.”
Readers have been posting their condolences and sharing fond memories and words of praise on his SLO Stringer Facebook page:
“Tragically Sad, Matthew Frank will be missed, and always thought of as the generous, noble, kind-hearted action reporter willing to put his own safety aside to highlight the heroic efforts of others,” wrote reader Jon Steven.
“How sad. He served as a “lifeline” during the Chimney Fire when so many of us were evacuated. He stood alongside all the brave firefighters and emergency service heroes to save what they could of our countryside. His voice will be missed,” wrote Karyn Planett.
Up and Adam in the Morning aired this audio tribute to Frank:
Below, Morro Bay Fire Chief Steve Knuckles describes Frank.
The following is a collection of some top news stories posted here on the Paso Robles Daily News in which SLO Stringer was a source:
Coverage of the Chimney Fire
SLO Stringer provided comprehensive written and photo coverage of the Chimney Fire, going above and beyond the call of duty to the point of caring for residents’ pets and letting them know that their homes were safe.
Just a few of the other stories in which SLO Stringer contributed to:
House fire leaves occupant with minor injuries
Driver strikes large bear near Santa Margarita
Suburban crashes near San Miguel
DA files murder charge against Thomas Nolan Yanaga
Identities released in semi-truck crash on Highway 101
Details released regarding fatal collision at Wellsona intersection
The staff at the Paso Robles Daily News was deeply saddened by the news of his passing and extends condolences to the family. He was a journalist of the highest caliber and will be sorely missed by his community.
