Walk Will Honor Boy Scout Killed In DWI Crash: 'Fly High, Andrew'

CALVERTON, NY — The day after Thanksgiving, those who loved him will come together to walk for Andrew McMorris, a Boy Scout who died after a drunk driver plowed into his troop while they were out on a hike in 2018.

Last month, during an emotional day in court, members of Andrew's family spoke of their agonizing loss before Thomas Murphy, 61, of Holbrook, who was convicted by a jury of driving drunk and killing Andrew in the 2018 crash, received the maximum sentence of eight and one-third to 25 years in prison.

And now, the Andrew McMorris Memorial Walkathon, originally canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, has been rescheduled for November 27. The walk begins at 9 a.m. at Baiting Hollow Scout Camp, located at 1774 Sound Avenue in Calverton, with the McMorris family leading the walk.

The walk will include a tour of the McMorris Lodge being built at the camp: The McMorris family and the Suffolk County Council of the Boy Scouts of America are hosting the walk to raise the funds needed to complete the lodge, currently under construction at Baiting Hollow Scout Camp in Andrew's memory.

To register and for sponsorship information, click here.

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

All walkers will enjoy a complimentary grab-and-go lunch at the conclusion of the walkathon, donated by Applebee’s. North Fork Trolley will be providing complimentary shuttle service for all participants to and from the parking area for the event.

Those who cannot participate in the walk, but wish to participate virtually, or want to sponsor another walker, can click here.

“The McMorris family is honored and touched that the Boy Scouts of America - Suffolk County Council are paying tribute to our son, Andrew, in naming the new lodge at the Baiting Hollow Scout Camp in his memory," Andrew's parents John and Alisa and sister Arianna said. "Andrew loved being a Boy Scout, so the naming of the lodge has a deep and special meaning to all of us who loved him. We are incredibly grateful that the Suffolk County Council is paying homage to Andrew and his love for the Scouts in this amazing way."

The McMorris Lodge, his family said, will be a place to honor Andrew’s life and Scouting spirit along with serving Scouts for years to come with a space where they can grow, learn and have experiences that will enrich their lives.

"The McMorris family is looking forward to helping raise funds to finish the lodge, for the Andrew McMorris Foundation and the Suffolk County Council Endowment Fund as well as honoring the life and memory of our beautiful son Andrew McMorris," they said. "Fly high, Andrew!”

There will be never enough opportunities to remember, honor and celebrate Andrew's memory, said Suffolk County Council of the Boy Scouts President Dave Colford. “He represented the best that Scouting and humanity has to offer. We are privileged to help extend his legacy through the Andrew McMorris Memorial Walkathon," he said.

Donna Lillie, chair of the event, added: “I am proud to be coordinating this wonderful event to support the final construction of the beautiful McMorris Lodge and to honor the memory of Andrew."

Organizers have ensured that social distancing protocols will be adhered to; walkers will be participating in small groups and everyone will receive a commemorative mask, she said.

Corporate sponsorships and walkership opportunities are available here.