Coronavirus Postpones Andrew McMorris Memorial Walkathon, 5K Run

CALVERTON, NY — Due to coronavirus, an event to honor the memory of Andrew McMorris, 12, of Wading River, who died in 2018 when a drunk driver plowed into his Boy Scout troop while they were out on a hike in Manorville, will be postponed.

"Given the guidance that the Suffolk County Council, BSA, has received from the governor’s office, along with the state and county health officials, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the Andrew McMorris Memorial Walkathon and 5K Run to later this year. This has not been an easy decision, but the health and safety of our scouts, scouters, friends, family, and community has always been our priority," event organizers said.

A new date will be announced soon, said Memorial Walkathon and 5K Run Chair and Scouter Donna Lillie.

Although the event has been postponed, donations are still needed to complete the McMorris Lodge, under construction at Baiting Hollow Scout Camp in memory of Andrew. Proceeds from the event were meant to benefit the lodge's construction. To donate, click here.

Andrew was killed while hiking the Greenbelt Trail with his Boy Scout Troop 161 in September, 2018; several other scouts were severely injured as a result of the crash. In December, a jury found the driver who hit Andrew, Thomas Murphy, 60, guilty on all counts.

"The lives of his family, friends, community and fellow Scouters were forever changed by Andrew’s loss," event organizers said.