Scores To 'Finish Hike' For Scout Killed By Alleged Drunk Driver

MANORVILLE, NY— Hearts are heavy Monday: The day marks exactly one year since Andrew McMorris, 12, and fellow Boy Scouts were struck by an alleged drunk driver while out on a hike in Manorville on Sept. 30, 2018.

Andrew died on Oct. 1, 2018 from his injuries.

And on Monday, the many family members, Scouts, friends and who love him will come together to follow his last footsteps in unity — finishing the hike that ended so tragically.

Exactly one year later, on Sept. 30, 2019, Boy Scout Troop 161 and Suffolk County Council have invited Scouts, family and friends to join together to complete the fateful hike and celebrate Andrew's beautiful life and legacy.

Thomas Murphy, 59, of Holbrook, was charged in the fatal crash and arraigned in October on a 16-count indictment — including reports that the man had allegedly 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.

Before and after the upcoming hike on Sept. 30, at Shoreham-Wading River High School, the concession stand will be open, the Scout shop will have a table with merchandise available for purchase, a recruitment table for those interested in joining Scouting programs will be available, the Andrew McMorris Foundation will have a booth set up, and a DJ will be onhand "to keep the mood light and our spirits high!" an announcement for the event said.

For hike details, click here.

Reflecting on why the hike is so meaningful, Alisa McMorris, Andrew's mom, spoke with Patch in past months. "As we step forward carrying the loss of our son — we are reminded of an important quote that was given to us: 'Be the things you loved most about the people who are gone.' So we choose to walk and talk for Andrew and live the life he would have — walk while he cannot and finish the things he started. And that begins with this hike."

(Courtesy MidIsland AirService.)
"We are looking to finish what Andrew started," John McMorris, Andrew's father, said. "We continue to walk and talk for Andrew. We are walking to heal and gain strength as a family and as a Scouting unit — healing and grieving as a family and community."

Following the hike MONDAY evening, a fundraiser is planned at the Suffolk Theater to celebrate Andrew's life and fund scholarships in his name. This year, Alisa said, two scholarships were awarded to Shoreham-Wading River High School Seniors who embody Andrew's spirit.

Two awards were also given to graduating 8th graders who share Andrew's values, she said. "We are hoping to create what we like to call the 'Andrew Effect.'"

The scholarship application describes the young man known for his bright smile and kind heart: "Andrew was full of life and positive spirit. His charisma was contagious and he had a knack of bringing people together. A friend to everyone, Andrew had a way to make everyone feel good about themselves. He consistently demonstrated his compassion and care for others on a daily basis. Andrew frequently would give up something of himself for the benefit of others. Andrew's passion and zest for life was unrelenting and he never wanted to waste a moment."

Those applying for the scholarships, Alisa said, should demonstrate qualities of kindness, care, selflessness and a concern for others including a commitment to the community and a strong desire to experience an impactful life.

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."