University of Michigan Football Player Peyton Michael Bilbia’s Death Devastates His Parents, Mathew M. and Abbie M. (Lahr) Bilbia, Following a Tragic New Year’s Eve

Friends and family honor Peyton’s memory.

January 4, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on January 4, 2026

Peyton Michael Bilbia’s death has left his family, friends, and community grieving the devastating loss of a young man whose life ended far too soon.

Peyton passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2026, at the age of 26, in Milford, Michigan.

His sudden and violent death has shaken those who knew him and loved him, especially his parents, who now face an unimaginable loss.

Born on March 7, 1999, in Pontiac, Michigan, Peyton was the beloved son of Mathew M. and Abbie M. (Lahr) Bilbia.

He grew up in Grand Blanc and graduated from Holly High School in 2017.

He later attended the University of Michigan–Flint, where he continued shaping his future with determination and optimism.

In March 2026, Peyton moved to Milford and began a new chapter of independence.

He found steady work with D.E. McNabb Flooring in New Hudson and traveled frequently for his job.

According to his family, he took pride in building his life, recently moving into his first apartment and embracing adulthood with confidence and excitement.

Peyton filled his free time with the things he loved most. He worked out regularly, rode mountain bikes, enjoyed movies and music, and adored his dogs.

He was also a passionate University of Michigan football fan.

Those closest to him remember him as a kind-hearted soul who deeply loved his family and brought warmth to everyone around him.

His mother, Abbie Bilbia, shared the depth of her grief following Peyton Michael Bilbia’s death.

She described him as her “kind, handsome boy” and spoke about how happy he was in the months leading up to his passing.

Peyton attended close friends’ weddings, traveled across the country for work, and recently began a new romantic relationship that brought him joy.

Tragically, on New Year’s Eve, someone murdered Peyton in his apartment while he slept, shattering his family’s world.

The loss has devastated Peyton’s loved ones, who continue to mourn both the life he lived and the future he never had the chance to experience.

His family has asked for prayers, support, and kindness as they focus on honoring his memory and covering funeral and related expenses during this painful time.

Peyton leaves behind his parents, Mathew and Abbie Bilbia of Grand Blanc; his sisters, Makayla Bilbia of Grand Rapids and Ella Bilbia of Grand Blanc; his grandparents, Craig and Deborah Lahr of Waterford and Karen and Kevin Kasper of Albion; along with uncles, an aunt, cousins, and many friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Craig Bilbia.

Family and friends will gather to honor Peyton’s life during visitation and funeral services on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Sharp Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Grand Blanc.

The service will be live-streamed to allow those unable to attend in person to pay their respects.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made to The Humane Society of Genesee County, reflecting Peyton’s love for animals.

His memory lives on through the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the family who will carry him in their hearts forever.

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