An online fundraiser launched to help the family of Warren Hills quarterback Evan Murray has surpassed its $50,000 goal.
More than 1,140 people. More than $56,000 and climbing. Within three days.
That's how fast money was raised by Tuesday morning on GoFundMe to help the family of Evan Murray with funeral and other expenses -- four days after the 17-year-old Warren Hills Regional High School quarterback died after suffering a lacerated spleen in a varsity game Friday night.
By Sunday evening, the goal was raised from an initial $15,000 to $50,000. And by 10 a.m. Monday, it had reached $42,729. By 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, the goal was surpassed, bringing in $56,871.
The fund was created by Taylor Coughlin, 16, a friend of Murray and Warren Hills junior. In describing Murray, Coughlin had said, "He was an amazing student and an amazing athlete. He stood out in his athletics, his academics -- everything."
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The GoFundMe listing says all money will go toward the family's funeral expenses, a tombstone and medical bills.
In lieu of flowers, the family in Evan Murray's obituary is requesting memorial contributions be made to the Evan Murray Scholarship Fund in care of Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 W. Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882.
Visitation is being held from noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Faith Discovery Church, 33 Brass Castle Road in Washington Township, Warren County. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.
Several donors have expressed condolences on the GoFundMe site.
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Parents stated they are holding their children "a little tighter," players say they are "heartbroken" and family members post their lives will "never be the same."
Following an autopsy, Morris County Medical Examiner Dr. Ronald Suarez determined the cause of death to be massive internal bleeding due to the laceration. Murray had an abnormally enlarged spleen that made it more susceptible to injury, the medical examiner's office said.
Warren Hills students on Monday -- the first day back to school since the tragedy -- marked Murray's parking space with flower bouquets and balloons.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.