Mathew George, gay co-host of the podcast “She Rates Dogs”, has died at the age of 26 after a hit-and-run collision.
The collision occurred on Beverly Boulevard in Beverly Hills at about 2:20 a.m. local time. The LAPD indicates that George was not walking in a marked crosswalk before being hit. The vehicle, a white BMW, continued eastbound without stopping after the incident. George was pronounced dead at the scene.
Michaela Okland, George’s co-host on “She Rates Dogs”, announced his death on Twitter stating, “I would rather you guys hear this from me than a news article. Mat was killed in a hit and run last night. I don’t really have any other words right now. I wish I could contact everybody who knows him personally but the news is already out and I just can’t do it right now.”
Not long after, tributes for the 26-year-old poured in on social media shortly after her announcement.
George has lived openly as a gay man and often shared his life as such with listeners and fans.
“Growing up and being in the closet, I never knew anyone or heard about anyone who had similar experiences and fears that I had,” George said:
“My hopes for my Twitter account and SheRatesDogs the Podcast is to share my stories and make LGBTQ+ people all across the world feel like they’re not alone. The most rewarding moments are when members of the LGBTQ+ community reach out to me and tell me what a difference I’ve made in their lives,”
Co-host Okland also posted on the “She Rates Dogs” account to announce that one more episode featuring George was recorded before his death and was scheduled to be posted on Tuesday. She said it will likely be put on hold, however. She said their listeners’ “words and support made him so happy.”
