Students Return To NJ High School Following Death Of Star Athlete

Horrifying news out of high-school football – which has had its fair share of ugly recently – as Warren Hills High School quarterback Evan Murray died on Friday night after taking a hard hit in a game.

Tap Into Summit reported that “Murray was taken from the field after a Summit interception and subsequent return late in the second quarter” and that an ambulance “quickly transported Murray to an unknown location”.

A statement from interim Superintendent Gary Bowen said the school community is “deeply saddened” by his death.

Murray came off the field under his own power Friday night after being hit in the backfield.

Bowen declined to take questions from reporters, saying a cause of death has not yet been determined. Authorities have not yet released the results from an autopsy.

Today was the first day back to school after the death of a quarterback at a New Jersey high school. Murray’s funeral will be October 1 at 11 a.m., also at the church.

“He tried giving a thumbs-up to the rest of the team, and all of us cheered”, said Kaitlin Bell, 16, a junior varsity cheerleader.

“I think people knew it was serious because Evan is a strong kid”, said Coughlin, of Mansfield Township.

“Obviously this is a bad thing and we feel for the entire team and, more importantly, his family”, Rahway head coach Brian Russo, whose Indians, like Warren Hills, are a member of the Mid-State 38 Conference, told MyCentralJersey.com. A kind leader, a fierce student, a loyal friend, and composed athlete who will be greatly missed by our Warren Hills Community. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Evan Murray Scholarship Fund, and sent to Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 West Washington Road, Washington, NJ 07882.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and the New York Jets football team were among dozens of people and groups from around the country who posted condolences via social media 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”.