Evan Murray’s parents: ‘Amazing and overwhelming support’ humbles us

Warren Hills High School quarterback Evan Murray's death after an in-game injury brought a community together. It brought a state together.

Hundreds of people attended his funeral services. Thousands more have signed a petition to see the school's football field named in his honor. A fundraiser for his family has collected more than $65,000. Helmet maker Ridell has donated 7,000 decals with the Warren Hills lightning bolt over Murray’s number 18 that will be worn on the helmets of Mid State 38 and Greater Middlesex Conference players.

Even Jon Bon Jovi now has the number on his guitar, in Murray's memory.

"We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the overwhelming amount of love, care and kindness we have received from the entire Washington community, the Warren Hills Blue Streaks family and from communities beyond.

In an ad in Sunday's The Express-Times. parents parents Tom and Kelly Murray expressed their appreciation. The ad features a blue ribbon and "18Strong" — the symbol and slogan of solidarity used in the Warren Hills community and well beyond after Murray's death.

According to an account by LeHighValleyLive.com, the site associated with the Express-Times, the ad reads:

The loss of Evan is an unimaginable tragedy for us and while he is best known for sports achievements, what he truly loved was the community that developed, in part, through his participation. Your amazing and overwhelming support reminds us of why he so loved teams and the power of people coming together with a common goal.

It would be impossible to individually thank all the friends, neighbors, businesses and organizations who have shared their time, talent, sympathy and generosity with our family. We are humbled by each of you.

We feel fortunate to be members of this wonderful community of considerate, strong, generous and kindhearted individuals.

Evan Murray died of a lacerated spleen after taking multiple hits during a Sept. 25 game against Summit, a medical examiner's report concluded. The medical examiner determined that the spleen was abnormally enlarged, making it more susceptible to injury,

Teammates and friends said Murray took several hits through the game, but after one particularly hard hit shortly before halftime, had to be helped up. They said he lost consciousness for a moment on the sidelines, woke up and looked out at the crowd, but seemed dazed.

Teammate Mark Formichelli said Murray had been holding his side after one of the earlier hits, but seemed to walk it off and continued playing.

Murray was taken to Morristown Medical Center, where he later died.