Matthew Ross Alexander, a 32-year-old man, tragically lost his life on April 15, 2021, during a mass shooting at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. Born in Indianapolis on March 11, 1989, he was a resident of Avon, Indiana. Friends and family remembered him as a beloved son, brother, and friend with a laid-back nature and a great sense of humor.
He was a graduate of Avon High School and had attended Butler University.
A dedicated employee, Alexander had worked at the FedEx SmartPost facility for ten years, recently earning recognition for his service. His most recent role was as a Line Haul Coordinator. He was an avid sports enthusiast with a particular love for the St. Louis Cardinals, Indiana Pacers, and Buffalo Bills. His friends affectionately knew him by the nicknames 'Mr. Automatic' and 'Zander.' He enjoyed playing baseball, softball, and golf and had an annual tradition of attending the Indianapolis 500 activities with friends.
The incident that claimed Alexander's life was a violent attack carried out by a former employee of the FedEx facility. The gunman, identified as 19-year-old Brandon Scott Hole, opened fire in the facility, killing eight people before taking his own life. The investigation into the shooting revealed that Hole had legally purchased the two rifles used in the attack in the months prior, despite having a shotgun confiscated by police a year earlier due to mental health concerns.
As the perpetrator of the mass shooting died by suicide at the scene, there were no arrests or suspects to be tried in connection with Matthew Ross Alexander's death. The investigation focused on the shooter's motives and the circumstances that allowed him to acquire the firearms used in the attack. The tragic event prompted renewed discussions about gun control measures and mental health resources. The community mourned the loss of Alexander and the other seven victims, remembering them as valued members of their families and workplaces.
