Murray, 17, a three-year starting quarterback at Warren Hills Regional High School, died after being injured in a varsity football game Friday night. Watch video
Melissa Smith didn't know Evan Murray, but she watched him play at Warren Hills Regional High School.
Players with the Washington youth football program, the Washington Redskins, are wearing No. 18 decals on their helmets in tribute to Evan Murray. (Courtesy photo) Smith, a 2002 Warren Hills alum, said the community is aching over the death of the 17-year-old football player injured in a varsity game Friday night.
She wants the school district to create a lasting memorial to Murray by naming the Blue Streaks' football field in his honor.
"Warren Hills is a community like no other," said Smith, who lives in the Lehigh Valley but whose family still lives in the Washington area. "When tragedy strikes this community, we all show up and support.
"It doesn't matter if you are alumni or a current student or a future student or even parents. We all show up to support," said Smith, of Portland. "Even though I never met Evan Murray, I can feel the loss that my hometown and alumni is feeling."
Smith has started an online petition on change.org that in its first seven hours had 1,500 supporters.
It's one of dozens of symbols of support in the community since Murray, a standout student-athlete and three-year starter at quarterback, died after coming out of a football game Friday night in Warren County.
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On Sunday, players in the Washington Redskins youth football program wore No. 18 decals on their helmets in tribute to Murray.
On Saturday, during a festival in downtown Washington, volunteers from the Washington Fire Department donated proceeds from a beer garden to the Murray family.
They took proceeds from mug sales and tips thrown into boots and buckets to be given to the Washington Township family, said fire department Chief Bob Cammarota. More than $3,200 was raised.
"The community did their part. They were fantasic," Cammarota said.
School officials have not said how Murray was injured and autopsy findings have yet to be released. Grief counselors were made available over the weekend at the school, which reopened Monday morning.
Smith said she was moved to create a petition after hearing so much about the leadership and character of Murray.
"It's the last time and place that the student body, fans, parents, and coaches saw him alive," Smith said of the Streaks' home turf. "In honor of the amazing man he was and what a role model he is and was, I think it should be named the Evan Murray Memorial Field.
"I honestly think it's an amazing way to honor him and let him live on not only in our hearts but in our town."
Tributes to Murray have poured in on social media from across the globe.
Evan Murray (lehighvalleylive.com file photo) A Warren Hills alum who plays football in Germany, Mike Comick, said on Facebook that he's dedicating the upcoming season to Murray and sporting his initials and No. 18 on his cleats.
Smith said the entire community is keeping the Murray family in its thoughts and prayers. A viewing for Murray is scheduled Wednesday, with the funeral Thursday.
"We will stand by Evan's family and make sure they have everything they need because that's what a Streak does," she said. "We take care of each other."
Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.