Here's what to expect the next few days as the Warren Hills Regional High School community grieves for Evan Murray.
Wednesday will be a difficult day in the Warren Hills Regional High School community.
Here's what to expect the next few days:
1.) Evan Murray viewing set for Wednesday
Officials in Washington Township, Warren County, were bracing for a flood of mourners at Faith Discovery Church, 33 Brass Castle Road. That's where a viewing will be held for Murray, the 17-year-old varsity quarterback who died after being hurt in a football game Friday night.
The viewing is scheduled from noon to 9 p.m. at the church, which holds about 600 people.
Police said they weren't certain on a number, but hundreds and perhaps thousands are expected to pay respects throughout the day.
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Brass Castle Road will be closed to through-traffic from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., between Route 57 and Kinnaman Avenue, police said.
Deputy Chief Tom Cicerelle said those attending the visitation should approach from Route 57 and they'll be directed to the church.
About 30 police officers from across the county will be deployed for traffic management and security, Cicerelle said.
Schools will be open Wednesday and folks should expect some delays on the Route 57 corridor, police said.
2.) Schools closed Thursday
The high school and Warren Hills Regional Middle School will be closed Thursday.
Murray's funeral is set for 11 a.m. at the church. Police expect to shut down that stretch of Brass Castle Road again from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Cicerelle said.
The mood has been somber at Warren Hills High, where students have established memorials to Murray at the gates to the football stadium and in his usual parking spot.
On Monday, most students wore blue in his honor, said sophomore Alanna Ross. The halls were silent that day but the tributes and friendship have helped, she said.
"Everyone's starting to talk," she said Tuesday as she and mother Dawn Ross placed blue ribbons and balloons at the gateway to Washington at Routes 31 and 57.
3.) Homecoming activities postponed
This was supposed to be Spirit Week at Warren Hills High, capped by a dance and Friday night football game.
Friday's game against Voorhees High School has been postponed until 7 p.m. Saturday at Warren Hills.
Spirit week and homecoming activities have been postponed until further notice, school officials said.
4.) Tributes continue to pour in
Murray's death has produced a swell of community support for the Murray family and Evan's schoolmates.
More than $58,000 had been raised in a GoFundMe drive by Tuesday night to help the family with whatever it needs.
An online petition to name the high school field in Murray's honor had gained more than 4,200 supporters so far.
Dawn Ross, whose son is a freshman football player at Warren Hills, said families are leaning on one another for support as people find their own ways to grieve.
"A lot of the moms have stepped up," she said. "I think it puts things in perspective."
Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.