A high school star quarterback in New Jersey died after suffering an injury on the field, school officials said Saturday.
Three-sport athlete Evan Murray of Warren Hills Regional High School died after he was hurt in a game Friday night. Murray had been the football team's starting quarterback for three years.
A statement from interim Superintendent Gary Bowen said the school community is "deeply saddened" by his death. Bowen declined to take questions from reporters Saturday, saying a cause of death has not yet been determined. Authorities said an autopsy was planned.
On behalf of all the people of New Jersey, Mary Pat and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Murray family on the loss of Evan. — Governor Christie (@GovChristie) September 26, 2015
People who attended the game said the 17-year-old Murray walked off the field under his own power after taking a hit in the backfield late in the second quarter. A short time later, he apparently collapsed.
Murray felt "woozy" after the tackle but tried reassuring his teammates he would be fine as he was lifted on a gurney and taken to a hospital, witnesses told the New York Daily News.
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Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Evan Murray. — New York Jets (@nyjets) September 26, 2015
"He tried giving a thumbs-up to the rest of the team, and all of us cheered," said Kaitlin Bell, 16, a junior varsity cheerleader. "Our coach was telling us he was going to be all right. We didn't expect anything would happen."
Coaches, students and community members gathered at the school's football field Saturday for a memorial. The school is located in Washington Township.
Members of the school community said they were shocked by Murray's death.
"I can't comprehend what happened," said one parent.
