NO FOUL PLAY SUSPECTED IN PASSING OF BELOVED BARTENDER

ABOVE: Eastwood (left) with co-workers at Wolf Branch Brewing in Eustis. (Photo courtesy of Wolf Branch Brewing)

Sadness fell over the Eustis community when Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office announced the death of  Matt Eastwood, 34, a beloved Eustis bartender, who went missing after a music festival in Boca Raton.  

Eastwood, a humorous barman at the tight-knit and family-owned Wolf Branch Brewing, was last seen on February 16 at approximately 10:30 p.m. walking away from the Sunset Cove Amphitheater following the Forbidden Kingdom Music Festival, according to PBSO. 

On February 19, Eastwood’s body was found floating in a suburban lake in close proximity to the amphitheatre and then transported to the medical examiner’s office to determine the cause of death.  Foul play is not suspected, according to Palm Beach Sheriff's Office (PBSO). The law enforcement agency did not elaborate.  

Wolf Branch Brewing’s Facebook post yesterday addressed the immeasurable loss of someone they held dear.   “Thank you everyone who has reached out and stopped by the taproom. There are no words. We are devastated and utterly heartbroken to lose a member of our family. Matt is a huge part of the Wolf Branch family and has been from the very beginning. The taproom will forever feel different without his presence which was truly one of a kind. Everyone that met him knew how funny and kind he was, but he was truly selfless and would do anything for someone in need. He will be greatly missed by so many. So here’s a beer for you bud, rest easy.”

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here.  Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.  ​​​

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