Matthew James Shields

Matthew James Shields, a resident of Prairieville, Louisiana, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the age of 20. He was born June 16, 2005, to James and Veronica Shields in Baton Rouge. His passions were spending time with his family, fishing, building Legos, and anything to do with vehicles. 

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Edward Sr. and Viola Shields; great-grandparents, Russell Sr. and Doris Hymel, Etienne Sr. and Theresa Hotard; uncles, Edward and Daniel Shields and Richard Snyder; and aunt, Shirley Prestenbach.

He is survived by his parents, James and Veronica Shields; sisters, Isabelle and Abigail Shields; half-sister, Danielle Shields; half-brother, Jason Shields (Emily); grandparents, Martha Hotard, Etienne Louis Hotard Jr. (Lori); godparents, Angela Zimmer (John) and Etienne Hotard III (Stephanie); aunts, Regina and Jennifer Hotard, Patricia Snyder, Cynthia Hagan (Michael); uncles, Edgar, Sidney (Sharon) and Frederick (Terry) Shields, Cy Campeaux; cousins, Nathan and Natalie Zimmer, Cecilia, Lillian, Luke and Teddy Hotard; nieces, Zoe Vicknair and Maggie Sisk.

The family would like to give special thanks to Acadian Ambulance, Galvez Fire Department, Ascension Parish Sherriff’s Office, Our Lady of the Lake Hospital Staff, Chaplains Austin and Ann, Father Brent Maher and Father Matthew Graham, Rachel Duplessis, Cherish Kennedy, and everyone who assisted at the scene of the accident.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 749 East Boulevard in Baton Rouge, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held at the church's activity hall beginning at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Highway.