N.J. Football Player's Death Remains Mystery As Mournful Students Return

Mournful students at a New Jersey high school returned to classes Monday just days after a football player in North Jersey died from injuries sustained in a game Friday night, officials confirmed.

Gary R. Bowen, interim superintendent of schools at Warren Hills Regional, held an early morning press conference to say that grief counseling would be available to students as they try come to grips with the tragedy.

“We are deeply saddened and sincerely appreciate the support and caring of our close-knit greater Warren Hills community,” he said as authorities continue to investigate the cause of 17-year-old Evan Murray’s death.

Many students and others took to Twitter to express their grief over the loss of Murray, a senior at Warren Hills Regional High School, who died after being injured in a home game against Summit Friday night.

• Bailey reyes @baileyreyess: I lost the love of my life last night. I miss you Evan and I love you indefinitely
• Sevian Frangipane @SevianFrangipan: Man. Myth. Legend. I hope one day I can be half the man Evan Murray was and will forever be. Rest Easy Man. Love you
• Governor Christie @GovChristie: On behalf of all the people of New Jersey, Mary Pat and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Murray family on the loss of Evan.
• Nicole @nicole13smith: Person you admire most: Evan Murray. Everyone looked up to you Evan. Rest in peace and fly high.

Witnesses told the New York Daily News Murray was tackled late in the second quarter and appeared “woozy” afterwards. However, he walked off the field on his own after taking the hit, LehighValleyLive.com reported.

Few details as to the cause of the teen’s death were immediately available. An autopsy was scheduled for Saturday afternoon, nj.com reported.

Murray, a quarterback, was a three-sport athlete who also played baseball and basketball.

Murray will be laid to rest this week. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Faith Discovery Church on Brass Castle Road in Washington Township, Warren County, with a viewing from noon to 9 p.m. the day before at the same location, according to the funeral home.

Arrangements are being made by Warren Hills Memorial Home.

>>Related:

• Football Player Who Died Walked Off Field After Tackle: Report
• Funeral Services Set for High School Football Player Who Died After On-Field Hit

According to the GoFundMe page established after Murray’s death, the quarterback was hit after he threw the ball and got up without any issues and was later taken to the hospital.

“As the hours went on we finally were told that our Captain had passed away,” the page said.

The page, which can be seen here, has raised more than $41,000 since Saturday morning.

“Evan was a bright kid who excelled in academics and in sports. Varsity QB since his sophomore year, varsity baseball pitcher, and varsity basketball Evan was always doing something to give back to his community,” theGoFundMe tribute said.

(Photo: GoFundMe)