'This Is A Day To Celebrate Jimmy's Life,’ Slain Teen's Dad Says

SHELTON, CT — The atmosphere was reverent and still prior to the start of Wednesday night's lacrosse game between Shelton High School and Fairfield College Preparatory School.

The crowd, typically revved up as they wait for players to take the field, was silent as Shelton High paid tribute to Jimmy McGrath, a 17-year-old Fairfield Prep student and Shelton resident who was fatally stabbed over the weekend.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the game's announcer said, "as you know, tonight we are here to honor the life of Jimmy McGrath, a young man who was tragically taken from all of us far too soon."

Shelton High School Principal Kathleen Riddle took the field just before game time and introduced McGrath's parents, Kevin and Margaret, and his sister, Rosie.

"Clearly, tonight I would love Jimmy's name to be announced for scoring a goal," Kevin McGrath said to the crowd, "but...Margaret, I and Rosie appreciate everything our community has done. This is a day to celebrate Jimmy's life."

As he spoke with his family by his side, Kevin McGrath urged both teams to celebrate his son's life by having a great game.

"I love every single one of you," Kevin McGrath said. "You have made a difficult situation better."

He also thanked the community for being a part of his family's life and noted his son would not want everyone to cry for him.

"Jimmy's up there with his friends [and] his cousins who have passed," Kevin McGrath said. "They're up there, looking down upon us today."

An announcement made during the tribute described Jimmy McGrath as the beloved son of Margaret and Kevin, a brother and best friend to his sister, Rosie, a loyal and dedicated teammate and a great friend to all those who were lucky enough to know him.

"Tonight," the announcement said, "we sit in unity to honor Jimmy's memory and the impact he has made on us all."

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Many in attendance also wore baby blue T-shirts, McGrath's favorite color, with a number "7" on them.

According to Amy Romano, a Shelton Board of Education member and friend of the McGrath family, she and three other families purchased the shirts and gave them to students, family and friends of the McGrath's.

In total, they had given out around 150 shirts, Romano said.

"We all live on the same street, and the McGrath family has been an extension to our neighborhood for over 15 years," Romano said in an email to Patch. "We wanted to help the families and students during this time."

A moment of silence was also held just before the start of the game. As Fairfield Prep teammates took the field, they each hugged McGrath's family.

Later, a student started a call and answer cheer that went as follows: "Hail Fairfield! Hail Shelton! Hail Jimmy!"

Police announced Wednesday a 16-year-old from Milford was arrested in connection to McGrath's death. The teen is charged with murder and three counts of first-degree assault, police said.

Shelton police arrested the teen suspect on a warrant Wednesday morning, and he was arraigned in Juvenile Court in New Haven the same day. WFSB 3 TV reported that the teen will be tried as an adult. WTNH-TV reported that the suspect is a student at Trumbull-based St. Joseph's High School.

Related:

• St. Joseph Student Accused Of Fatally Stabbing James McGrath, 17
• Teen, 16, Accused Of Fatally Stabbing James McGrath, 17: Shelton PD
• Fairfield Prep Junior Killed In Stabbing, 3 Others Hurt: Shelton PD

McGrath was stabbed to death in Shelton late Saturday. Three other teens were injured in the stabbing, police previously said.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help support his family at this time. As of Wednesday evening, the campaign has raised over $115,000 and received over 1,000 donations.

The page was set up by friends and family of the McGrath's. Those who wish to donate to the page can do so here.

"We ask for love and support for the McGrath family at this time," the campaign's description reads. "We love you forever Jimmy."

GoFundMe is a Patch partner.