Shelby Township, MI – October 2, 2010 – We are very sad to report that U.S. Army SPC Alex Knapp passed away suddenly from a heart attack today. We pass along our condolences to his family and friends. We feel honored to have met Alex. He touched our lives deeply in the short time that we knew him. His enthusiasm for life was evident from the first time he visited our store. He had nature that let you know you were his friend from the moment he met you.

“I first learned of Alex when I read about him in the local paper,” stated Mattress To Go owner Jeff Scheuer. “He was returning home after his tour of duty and the article mentioned that he was moving into a new home specially constructed for him. I contacted the newspaper and they put me in touch with Alex and I asked him if he needed a new mattresses. He mentioned he had been to another store and had already purchased a mattress set. I told him to cancel the order and had him visit me. We were able to find a bed that suited his specific needs and we gave it to him at no charge. It was the least we could do for him after all that he sacrificed in service to our country. He will be missed by the many people he touched and inspired.”

United States Army SPC Alex Knapp was a 23-year-old Iraq veteran who lost his legs when the vehicle in which he was riding was struck by an improvised explosive device near Baghdad on March 14, 2008. A native of Shelby Township, Knapp returned home in September 2009 after recovering from his wounds.

In 2009, Mattress To Go of Shelby Township continued their tradition of supporting the local community by donating a new king mattress set to U.S. Army SPC Alex Knapp of Macomb Township.