A high school senior in New Jersey has died, apparently as a result of injuries suffered in a football game on September 25, the Associated Press reports.
Evan Murray, 17, was the star quarterback at Warren Hills Regional High School, where he had started in the position for three years. Late in the second quarter of the game Friday night against Summit High School, he was hit in the backfield and reportedly walked off the field under his own power. Shortly thereafter, he collapsed and was removed from the field on a gurney.
He was taken by ambulance to Morristown Medical Center, where he was treated and died, a spokeswoman for the hospital was quoted as saying. The Lehigh Valley Express-Times reported that an autopsy would be performed, but no details about the exact cause of death have been released at this time.
In addition to football, Evan also played baseball and basketball. And although he may have listed the person he admired most as “Peter Parker,” other athletes and students at Warren Hills really looked up to him.
A GoFundMe account has been established for Evan’s family, and school officials at Warren Hills expressed condolences to them and pride in the students at the school.
“I offer my sincere condolences to the Murray family and Warren Hills Regional School District,” the Express-Times quoted district interim Superintendent Gary Bowen as saying in a statement. “The greater Warren Hills community is a close-knit group of fine people, and I thank everyone for their support. I am extremely proud of the students, staff and public officials who came to our stadium this morning to assemble.”
Social media also drew tweets from friends at the school:
Person you admire most: Evan Murray. Everyone looked up to you Evan. Rest in peace and fly high💙👼🏻 pic.twitter.com/L1HMlIIUGG
— Nicole (@nicole13smith) September 26, 2015
From the governor of Evan’s state:
On behalf of all the people of New Jersey, Mary Pat and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Murray family on the loss of Evan.
— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) September 26, 2015
And from professional football teams:
#Jets Tweets: Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Evan Murray. #NFL http://t.co/1OQYM2JxrE
— NY Jets (@jetspress) September 26, 2015
A guy everyone wanted to be like. A true hometown hero. You'll be missed. You'll always be the leader of this team. pic.twitter.com/2u6Irlvhse
— Mark Formichelli (@M_Formo) September 26, 2015
