Legacy of Love: Community Mourns, Remembers Morgan Ross, 13, of Killingly

KILLINGLY, CT - On May 2, a Killingly Intermediate School student passed away after suffering a medical emergency during a little league game; a tragic event that has left a family, a school and a community at large to grieve heavily for a life cut far too short.

Morgan Ross, 13, was a seventh grader at the school. She was playing in a game at Roseland Park in Woodstock when the emergency occurred, according to Eyewitness 3.

She was taken to Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam shortly after, where she died. She leaves behind her mother, father, brother, two sisters, stepfather and stepsister, as well as a many other family members and loved ones.

According to her obituary, Ross was “full of life and could light up the room.” In addition to playing softball, she also enjoyed singing and playing basketball.

A GoFundMe page set up by her aunt, Amy, describes Ross as “13 years old and [a] life cut way too short.” The page was setup to aid the family with funeral funds.

“There's a void left in so many hearts, that will never be filled by the loss of Morgan,” the page said. She is described as having an “amazing personality, infectious laugh, gorgeous smile and big brown beautiful eyes. She brought joy to everyone and was full of life.”

Many who knew Ross, as seen in the comments made to the GoFundMe page, note that she was very caring and loving.

“We all miss you,” Jailen Hartford said in a comment. “[You’re] a great, loving, caring softball player...miss you morgieee!”

The page was set up Wednesday with a set goal of $6,000.The page has far surpassed that goal and raised $15,040 as of Thursday afternoon.

In Ross’ honor, the towns of Brooklyn, Pomfret, Woodstock, Putnam, and Killingly suspended all baseball and softball activities Wednesday as a “Night of Silence” in her memory.

“Please pray for her family and teammates as we remember Morgan tonight,” District 11/12 Softball Administrator Sean Dempsey said on Facebook.

Though the local softball games will eventually go on as scheduled, the loss of Morgan Ross is one the community will feel for some time as they come together to honor a legacy of love.

“She carries our hearts with her,” Amy Ross said on the family’s page. “We'll cherish every moment spent with her and live every moment of everyday with her in our hearts and mind.”

Click here to donate to the family’s GoFundMe page.

Get Patch’s previous coverage here.

Images via GoFundMe.