#18Strong: Jon Bon Jovi Pays Tribute To Evan Murray

Evan Murray’s sudden and tragic death last Friday after a high school football game in Warren County, New Jersey made national headlines, and now has piqued the interest of a globally-known celebrity halfway across the world.

Posting a video to YouTube from the United Arab Emirates, rock star Jon Bon Jovi expressed his condolences to Evan Murray’s family and friends, saying he’d have the number 18 sticker placed on his guitar Thursday night during a performance, and telling the Warren Hills Blue Streaks to “win one for Evan.”

In the video, titled “In Memory of Evan Murray,” Bon Jovi explains that he’s a father of sons who also play football, and that his heart goes out to the Murray family.

See related:

• WATCH: In Honor of Evan Murray
• Autopsy Results Released for High School Football Player Who Died After On-Field Hit
• Funeral Services Set for High School Football Player Who Died After On-Field Hit
• Football Player Who Died Walked Off Field After Tackle: Report
• N.J. Football Player’s Death Remains Mystery As Mournful Students Return
• Petition Seeks to Name Field for Football Player Who Died After On-Field Hit

Evan Murray died from a lacerated spleen after taking a hard hit during a football game on Friday, Sept. 25. The 17-year-old was a three-year starter at quarterback and three-sport athlete at the high school.

His funeral was Thursday, Oct. 1.

See Bon Jovi’s video below:

And here’s a clip of Bon Jovi’s performance, with the “18” on his guitar: