'The Andrew Project' Honors Scout Killed By Alleged Drunk Driver

WADING RIVER, NY — Andrew McMorris, 12, loved Halloween, his heartbroken mom Alisa McMorris said. And on Halloween, to honor her beautiful boy, who died after he and fellow Boy Scouts were struck by an alleged drunk driver while out on a hike, she posted on Facebook about a new mission, "The Andrew Project," meant to prevent future tragedy.

"Andrew was a huge fan of Halloween," she said. "He was always the first to decorate and he would plan his costume over the entire month. So in honor of Andrew today — be yourself, have fun, but remember . . . ."

A post on Facebook, called "The Andrew Project," urged: "You don't need to be a superhero to save someone's life. Designate a driver. Call a taxi. Take the keys."

On Halloween, a day "when adults may partake in a beverage or two, I felt we needed to remind people of their responsibility," McMorris said.

The goal, she said, it to create "multiple arms" of The Andrew Project, the first posted on Halloween.

Future efforts will include her son's other passions, including Scouts, arts, theater, music and aviation — and, most importantly, "his compassion and kindness for others," she said.

After Andrew died and four other Scouts were injured, tragic details emerged, as the alleged drunk driver who plowed into the troop was arraigned on a 16-count indictment — including reports that the man had been drinking since 9 a.m. and had been offered a ride due to his level of intoxication, which he refused, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Tim Sini.

Sini announced the indictment of Thomas Murphy, 59, of Holbrook, in connection with the deadly crash on Sept. 30 in Manorville that caused Andrew's death.

"Nothing will bring Andrew back, but we will obtain justice in this case on behalf of the families and Troop 161," Sini said. "My office is committed to handling this case most professionally and most efficiently to ensure that this defendant is held accountable for his actions. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones and the entire Boy Scout community in the wake of this tragedy."

The community has been cloaked in mourning since learning that Andrew, critically injured in the crash, died.

Shoreham-Wading River School Superintendent Gerard Poole posted a message on the district's website; Andrew was a student in the district.

"The district was deeply saddened to learn of the horrific accident that occurred this weekend involving several Shoreham-Wading River students, which resulted in the tragic passing of one of our middle school students," a message on the district's website said.

According to Troop 161's website, the Scouts were scheduled to have a two-session hike on the Greenbelt Trail in Manorville and were hiking with their adult leader, as well as other Scouts, at the time of the crash, Scouting officials said.

The Boy Scouts of America's Suffolk County Council released a message about the tragedy on social media: "As part of the Suffolk County Council, our Scouting family is going through a terribly painful time," the message said. "We are sad to confirm the death of one of our young members following a vehicle-related incident while hiking. We offer our deepest condolences to the victim's family, and we will support them in any way that we can. Our thoughts remain with the Scouts still recovering from this incident. Please join us in keeping all those affected in your thoughts and prayers," said Ryan DiBernardo, Scout executive/CEO, Suffolk County Council, Boy Scouts of America.

After their son's tragic death, his family released a statement reflecting their deep heartbreak:

"Andrew McMorris was no ordinary boy. Andrew was born with a sense of wonder and amazement of the world around him, and he never lost the ability to be awed by and delighted with all it had to offer. Andrew was an artful child, and he channeled his abundant creativity through painting, acting, singing, and playing his piano, guitar, mandolin and ukulele. Always up for a costume, Andrew was Tin Man in his fifth grade production of The Wizard of Oz and, of course, Michael Jackson."
Andrew has also been remembered for his love of aviation.

In lieu of flowers the family has suggested donations to honor the loving memory of Andrew to: Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 33 Walt Whitman Road, Suite 210W Huntington Station, NY 11746; Wildcats Helping the Arts & Music Payable to: WHAM PO Box 458 Shoreham, NY 11786; or the GoFundMe, "Troop 161 Memorial & Support Fund."

Andrew's troop has asked that mourners wear red or place red ribbons in memory of his life, with vigils held to remember his beautiful spirit — and the community has worn a sea of red ribbons, to remember a boy who'll live forever in the hearts of all who loved him.

Patch photo courtesy McMorris family.