Matt Tully died on Oct. 29, 2018. He was 49 years old. He worked as a reporter and columnist at the Indianapolis Star from 2002 until his passing, covering mostly politics and education within the community. He wrote nearly 2,000 columns throughout his career. His work covering Manual High School led The Indianapolis Star to launch its Our Children Our City initiative, which funds organizations that feed, educate and mentor youth. His book, Searching for Hope: Life at a Failing School in the Heart of America, chronicles his experience at Manual.

He was named Indiana Journalist of the Year in 2008 and awarded the Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism in 2010. Before joining The Indianapolis Star, he worked in Washington D.C., covering the U.S. Senate. He also worked for the Gary Post-Tribune.