A high school American football player died after suffering an in-game injury, his school said on Saturday.
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Murray, 17, was a high school senior in his third season as his team’s starting quarterback. “He tried giving a thumbs-up to the rest of the team, and all of us cheered”, says a 16-year-old cheerleader at the school.
The specific circumstances of Murray’s death weren’t revealed by school district administrators on Saturday. “The loss of someone so young and suddenly is tragic and we stand together with the Warren Hills community during this time of grief”.
His coaches praised his strong, level-headed leadership qualities, but for all his teammates, there will be a lasting camaraderie.
Circumstances of the death of Murray – who on September 19 led the Blue Streaks to a victory over Rahway – and the injury he suffered were not immediately clear, according to an Express-Times report.
“The earlier hits weren’t awful, but there was one I do remember”, Formichelli said.
“Football is in a challenging state right now in this concussion era”, said Indian Hills coach Joe Sabella.
As of mid-day Sunday, more than $35,000 had been raised for Murray’s family in a GoFundMe.com fundraiser.
The growing memorial included a note from Murray’s girlfriend, saying “Losing you last night was the most devastating thing I have ever endured”. His classmates and teammates were as baffled as everyone else over what killed an athlete who also starred in baseball and basketball.
An autopsy will determine the cause of death. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) extended his “thoughts and prayers” over Twitter on Saturday afternoon.
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The school is next scheduled to play on Friday, for a homecoming game against Voorhees.
