"RIP"- Wrestling world mourns the death of Matthew Tyler Snook on the line of duty

The wrestling world recently mourned the former wrestler Matthew Tyler Snook's death, who was killed on the line of duty. The Delaware State Police Corporal was shot on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Division of Motor Vehicles building in Wilmington, New Castle County.

Corporal Grade One Snook was working on an overtime assignment while being stationed at a reception desk. At about 2 p.m., the Delaware State Police trooper was approached by the gunmen. As per the reports, Snook pushed away a DMV employee, who was in line of the gunfire, and ended up taking two bullets. He also allowed the customers to leave the building as he waited for the law enforcement to arrive.

The tragic death of the former University of Maryland wrestler sent the wrestling world into shock. Flo Wrestling paid a tribute to Snook, writing:

"Wrestler. Champion. Protector." "The wrestling community stands with his family," - Flo Wrestling added.

The assistant coach for the Cowboy wrestling team, Kevin Ward, also paid his tribute and wrote:

"God bless his family. So sad 🙏🏽"

The former competitive bodybuilder, Philip Visicaro, also remembered the former wrestler, writing:

"RIP"

Screenshot of the Instagram post's comment section.

The Delaware State Police later identified the gunmen as Rahman Rose.

Matthew Tyler Snook's journey as a wrestler at the University of Maryland

The Corporal Grade One trooper with DSP, Matthew Tyler Snook, was a former wrestler at the University of Maryland. He joined the University of Maryland as a freshman in 2009-10 and served as a redshirt season. He enjoyed a successful season in 2010-11 by clinching the individual titles at the Wilkes Open and Messiah Open.

In his Sophomore year, Tyler Snook served in the 184-pound category and compiled a record of 14-15. He won his career's first ACC win over John Dickson of Virginia Tech. In his junior year, the late Corporal Grade One trooper mostly competed in open competition at 197 pounds. He was placed sixth in the Brockport/Oklahoma Gold Classic and clinched three victories at the Nittany Lion Open. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 2014.

Born and raised in Hockessin, Delaware, Snook went by Tyler or Ty. He attended Saint Mark’s High School before joining the University of Maryland. Tyler Snook won the State Championship in 2009 and has been a two-time state finalist and four-time state placer. Matthew Tyler Snook is survived by his wife and a one-year old daughter.

Edited by Janhavi Shinde