The tragic death of Delaware State trooper Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, who was shot at the Wilmington DMV on Dec. 23, has gripped the sports world, including Barstool Sports, which has millions of followers.
Barstool Sports, a sports and pop culture blog founded by Dave Portnoy, made a social media post on Christmas Day that it was selling Delaware State trooper T-shirts with “100% of proceeds” going to support Snook’s family.
The media outlet’s website features two black T-shirts for sale. One has a thin blue line over Delaware’s coat of arms and it says, “CPL/1 Matthew “Ty” Snook 1681.” The other shirt features the thin blue line American flag. Each shirt sells for $32.
“A horrific story out of Delaware. State Trooper Corporal Grade One Matthew T. Snook murdered in the line of duty. He leaves behind a wife and 1 year old daughter,” Barstool Sports wrote on a post to its 6.3 million followers on Facebook.
“We can’t think of a more important cause this Christmas than raising money for the family. As always, 100% of proceeds will go directly to them and Dave Portnoy will match 100%.”
A Bear native, the 34-year-old Snook (who went by Ty or Tyler) was an accomplished wrestler at Saint Mark’s and then the University of Maryland.
As a senior in 2009, Snook won the individual wrestling state championship at 171 pounds, and Saint Mark’s won the Division I dual team championship. He earned a scholarship to Maryland where he wrestled more than 90 matches from 2009-14.
“He is a guy who gases people up,” former Saint Mark’s teammate and current Iowa assistant wrestling coach Bobby Telford said. “He makes everyone else around him better.”
Snook spent the last 10 years as a Delaware State trooper. He was a Cpl. Grade One for the Delaware State Police.
Snook was working an overtime assignment behind a reception desk when a 44-year-old man entered the DMV, made his way to the desk and shot Snook, according to state police spokesperson Cpl. Raushan Rich.
The shooting happened around 2 p.m. at the DMV on Hessler Boulevard near New Castle.
Snook and the gunman were taken to a hospital, where they died. Three others, including another officer, were injured.
Rich said Snook pushed a DMV worker out of the way of gunfire and was shot twice. A New Castle County police officer confronted the shooter and shot him, Rich said.
Police have not publicly identified the shooter. All Delaware DMVs remain closed until Dec. 29.
“His last actions were that of a hero,” state police Col. William Crotty said. “A hero who saved lives today while sacrificing his own.”
Brandon Holveck reports on high school sports for The News Journal. Contact him at bholveck@delawareonline.com.
Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at slbrennan@delawareonline.com.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters
Delaware trooper Snook's death hits Barstool Sports, inspires charity – The News Journal
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