A 12-year-old boy from Massachusetts, Jack Murray, has been remembered as a "magical" middle school student after he tragically died following an accident at a New Hampshire ski slope on New Year's Eve. The accident occurred at Cranmore Mountain in Conway, New Hampshire.
Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, N.H. Image: Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Details of the Accident
Jack Murray was skiing at Cranmore Mountain in Conway, New Hampshire, on New Year's Eve. While navigating an intermediate trail named Bandit Trail, he struck a tree. According to the Conway Police Department, the incident occurred on Tuesday. Despite wearing a protective helmet, the impact resulted in severe injuries.
Rescue personnel arrived at the scene where Jack was being treated by Cranmore Mountain Ski Patrol, who had already transported the boy to the base of the mountain. He was found unconscious and was rushed to MaineHealth Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A Life Remembered
"Born on May 23, 2012, he is the adored son of Paul and Crystal and the loving and best ‘big bro bro’ to Finley Murray of Weymouth. Jack is the most magical little boy and was on his way to becoming a truly exceptional man," his obituary says.
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In his obituary, the 12-year-old was remembered as a "bright light," with his family listing an impressive list of interests the middle school student was passionate about. "The brightest shining lights in life never shine long enough and Jack was that bright light for so many," the obituary said. "Despite his short life he did more in twelve years than most do in a lifetime."
Murray was remembered for being a budding entrepreneur, playing soccer and the trombone and drums and for his artistic ability. He started an eBay store to sell his thrift store finds, sold cookies to local restaurants and drew caricatures for his neighborhood. He created a clothing brand, shirt designs and built his own online store. His obituary said he was an artist and musician who played trombone and drums in the Chapman Middle School band.
The mother of Jack Murray, a seventh-grader at Chapman Middle School in Weymouth, told NBC10 Boston he did more with his 12 years than most people do in a lifetime.
"Jack loved his family, friends and neighbors (told them that regularly) and he knew how much he was loved back. Jack's absence will leave a hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him and the entire Weymouth community," his family said. "We ask that everyone take inspiration from the way Jack lived his short life and apply that to your own lives. We love you Jack always and forever!"
"Jack is the most magical little boy and was on his way to becoming a truly exceptional man. His positivity and laughter are infectious," his obituary said. "He is a loving and patient person who always sees the best in people. Jack is compassionate, empathetic and gives the best hugs. Jack is the greatest child a parent could ask for, and we are all better people for having known him."
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Jack Murray was remembered for his passion for life and his varying interests.
Jack Murray was remembered for his passion for life and his varying interests. (GoFundMe)
Jack, who played drums in the school band, had a GoFundMe established in his memory, and his family asked people to honor his life by donating to a music program in lieu of flowers.
"Helping other aspiring musicians like Jack get access to enrich their lives through the arts is a wonderful way to honor Jack’s memory," his father, Paul Murray, wrote on the GoFundMe page.
Here's a glimpse of Jack's diverse interests and activities:
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| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Music | Played drums in the school band, played the trombone. |
| Entrepreneurship | Started an eBay store, sold cookies to local restaurants, drew caricatures. Created a clothing brand and built his own online store. |
| Sports | Played soccer. |
| Arts | Artist, shirt designs. |
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Community's Response
In a statement after the accident, a spokesperson for Cranmore Mountain Resort shared condolences for "this tragic loss."
"On behalf of Cranmore Mountain Resort, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family," a resort spokesperson said. "The entire Cranmore family grieves for this tragic loss."
Conway Police Chief Christopher Mattei echoed the ski resort's sentiment, saying: "On behalf of the Conway Police Department and all the first responders who assisted, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family members of the 12-year-old boy."