Columbus Community Rallies to Support Schmidt Family After Tragic Fire

GoFundMe campaign raises nearly $200,000 for family of Matt Schmidt, who died in house fire

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:42pm

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A softly blurred, out-of-focus photograph in warm, hazy tones depicting a cozy, intimate family scene, conveying a sense of comfort, community, and togetherness.The Schmidt family, known for their beloved German Village restaurant, is finding solace in the outpouring of support from the Columbus community after a tragic fire.Columbus Today

The Columbus community has come together to support the family of Matt Schmidt, a member of the fifth generation running the iconic Schmidt's Sausage Haus restaurant, after he tragically died in a house fire on April 5. A GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $198,000 to help provide stability, housing, and care for Schmidt's wife and three daughters, who safely escaped the fire but are now dealing with the emotional weight of their loss.

Why it matters

The Schmidt family has been a beloved part of the Columbus community for generations, with their German Village restaurant being a major tourist destination. Matt Schmidt was known for his warm personality and dedication to the family business, making his sudden passing all the more devastating. The outpouring of support from the community underscores how deeply the Schmidt family is woven into the fabric of Columbus.

The details

The fire occurred on the morning of April 5 at Matt Schmidt's home on the 3800 block of Chevington Road. Schmidt, 43, died in the blaze, but his wife Becky and their three daughters were able to escape safely along with their dog Grover. The GoFundMe campaign was set up to help provide for the family's immediate needs, including finding a new home, as they grieve the loss of Matt. Local businesses have also stepped up to contribute, with The Daily Growler and Jacquemin Farms donating portions of their sales to the fundraiser.

  • The fire occurred on the morning of April 5, 2026.
  • The GoFundMe campaign was launched shortly after the tragedy and has raised nearly $198,000 as of April 11, 2026.
  • The Daily Growler donated $1 from every drink sold on April 6, 2026.
  • Jacquemin Farms donated proceeds from pumpkin donut sales on April 10-11, 2026, as well as a portion of their gross sales on April 11, 2026.

The players

Matt Schmidt

A 43-year-old member of the fifth generation of the Schmidt family, who worked as the brand ambassador for the iconic Schmidt's Sausage Haus restaurant in Columbus, Ohio.

Becky Schmidt

The wife of Matt Schmidt, who escaped the fatal house fire with their three daughters and their dog.

Schmidt's Sausage Haus

A beloved German Village restaurant in Columbus, Ohio that has been run by the Schmidt family for generations and is a major tourist destination.

The Daily Growler

A local business in Upper Arlington, Ohio that donated $1 from every drink sold on April 6, 2026 to the Schmidt family fundraiser.

Jacquemin Farms Market & Bakery

A business in Plain City, Ohio that donated proceeds from pumpkin donut sales and a portion of their gross sales on April 11, 2026 to the Schmidt family fundraiser.

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What’s next

The GoFundMe campaign will remain open to continue supporting the Schmidt family as they grieve and rebuild their lives after this tragedy.

The takeaway

The outpouring of support from the Columbus community for the Schmidt family underscores the deep connection and importance of this iconic local business and the devastating impact of losing a beloved member of the family. This tragedy has brought the community together to rally around the Schmidts during this difficult time.