Matthew Parry, the winner of a World Series of Poker gold bracelet in a $3,000 PLO 6-max tourney, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday while on his summer trip to Las Vegas to play at the WSOP and in other poker events and games. Parry, 33, of Fairfield, NY, a suburb of Rochester, claimed the largest prize of his career last July in the PLO event.
Less than two weeks ago, Parry won another significant PLO title, taking down the Wynn Summer Classic's $2K PLO event for $106,645. It was the fifth six-figure payday of his live career, in which he won more than $1.9 million. He also logged two more WSOP cashes within the past week. Over $1.2 million of his lifetime winnings came in WSOP bracelet or Circuit events.
Family posted notice of Parry's passing on social media
Parry's unexpected death on Saturday was announced via his personal Facebook page, where his family offered this statement: "It’s with crushing sadness that we’re letting friends of Matt’s and our family know that Matt passed away on Saturday, June 15. As many of you are aware, he had 2 true passions - chess and poker. Happily, he was in Las Vegas attending the WSOP doing what he loved when he died. Last year, he fulfilled his dream when he won his first bracelet. He is deeply and forever missed. At this time, arrangements are being made and we’ll use FB and email to communicate in the event you would like to join us in celebrating his life. Please keep our Matt in your prayers."
The statement offered no information as to the cause of Parry's passing. The lifelong mind-sports enthusiast loved chess and poker deeply, and for his WSOP player bio, he noted that in chess he was a Scholastic National Champ. He got into poker in a very typical way, playing in home games with friends and later playing online.
Friends saddened by news
The well-liked Parry was fondly remembered by many of his friends as the news of his death spread throughout the poker world. Posts such as these reflect their shock and sadness at his untimely passing:
