'Thank you everyone that prayed, showed up, sent words of encouragement, thought about us.' 'When Matthew left us he was at peace, he was happy in life, and excited to begin a new chapter of his life in Colorado and be closer to his daughter Sadie. The 35-year-old veteran, pictured with his family, had suffered a devastating brain hemorrhage on Saturday which left him brain dead She said on Facebook: 'At 8pm local time Matt Whalen will give life to two veterans who are in dire need of organ transplants. Bulldog for life. His wife Hannah Whalen said she was at a 'loss for words' after his death but praised the sacrifice he had made. The footage shows Whalen's bed being rolled out of his room, past a line of people as one uniformed soldier stands to attention.Īnother former comrade began a slow march in front of the gurney as a tearful woman, believed to be his wife Hannah, told her husband 'I love you'.Īfter passing dozens of staff, family and comrades, an American flag was carefully laid on Whalen's chest as he was taken into surgery. While it is not a military center, medical staff were so moved by Whalen's story they joined the soldiers and veterans, family and friends, who stood to attention as his hospital gurney passed by.Īn emotional video of his final moments has been posted on Facebook. The emotional video of his final moments shows Whalen's bed being rolled out of his room, past a line of people as his wife Hannah, told her husband 'I love you'

Army wives final salute