Matthew “Matt” Lent, a dedicated Air Medical Transport Communication Officer for EHS LifeFlight, beloved U11 youth hockey coach, and devoted family man from Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
Known for his patience, humor, and selflessness, Matt was a cornerstone of both the Halifax-area emergency services network and the local youth sports community. His unexpected passing leaves a profound void across Lower Sackville and the greater Halifax Regional Municipality.
A Dedicated First Responder and Youth Coach
Matt spent his life in service to others, both in his professional career and in his local community:
-
EMS Communications Officer: Serving with EHS LifeFlight as an Air Medical Transport Communication Officer in Halifax, Matt played a vital behind-the-scenes role in critical, life-saving air ambulance operations across Nova Scotia. Colleagues remember his steady presence, professionalism, and familiar sign-off wished to flight crews: “Safe flight.”
-
Sackville Minor Hockey Association: On the ice, Coach Matt served as an assistant coach for the U11 Sackville Flyers. Beyond teaching fundamentals, Matt was celebrated for his ability to build confidence in every player, celebrate small victories, and make every child feel valued regardless of skill level.
“There are coaches, and then there are people like Matt. As an assistant coach, he gave so much more than his time—he gave his heart. He believed in every child, celebrated every small victory, and made every player feel valued, no matter their ability… The bench will never be the same.”
— Sackville Minor Hockey Association
A Selfless Friend and Devoted Family Man
To those who knew him personally, Matt was the kind of friend who would drop everything at a moment’s notice to help someone in need, never expecting anything in return, and always keeping his quick sense of humor intact. Above all his roles, Matt’s greatest joy was his family.
Friends, colleagues, and community members shared emotional tributes following the news of his passing:
-
Holly Brown: “If you knew Matthew Lent, you knew he was the kind of person who would drop everything to help someone else and never expected anything in return. He was always the first one to lend a hand, offer support, or show up when you needed him.”
-
Tamara Hartlen (LifeFlight Team): “Yesterday, we lost a valued member of our LifeFlight team… Matthew will be missed by many family, friends, colleagues and community members. Rest easy, Matt.”
Surviving Family
Matt’s memory, kindness, and legacy live on through his cherished family:
-
His loving wife, Terri-Lynn Lent.
-
His two beloved children: his son, Emmerson (11), and his daughter, Georgia (8).
-
His extended family, EMS colleagues, Sackville Flyers hockey family, and neighbors across Lower and Middle Sackville.
Memorials and Community Support
To assist Matt’s family during this unimaginable time, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to ease the financial burden of living costs, immediate expenses, and the ongoing needs of his young children.
Information regarding formal memorial services and celebration of life arrangements will be shared by the Lent family in the coming days.