Fallen Boy Scout Andrew McMorris' family speaks of 'immeasurable loss'

The parents of the Boy Scout killed by an alleged drunken driver expressed their “immeasurable loss” and "unfathomable grief" Wednesday while offering gratitude to the community for its support.

Andrew McMorris, 12, a seventh-grader at Albert Prodell Middle School in Shoreham, died after being struck by a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sunday afternoon while walking along the shoulder of David Terry Road in Manorville as part of a hike through the woods. Four other Scouts who were also  struck survived.

The driver, Thomas Murphy, 59, of Holbrook, was charged with DWI and is expected to face upgraded charges, authorities said

In an expression of their appreciation for the outpouring of support, John and Alisa McMorris of Wading River encouraged family, friends and supporters to "give all your children and loved ones an extra-long hug today and don’t wait for the right time to express love to one another."

The family also asked members of the community not to place items as memorials at the scene of the crash, expressing concern that others could be injured on the roadside. Instead, the family asked that residents tie a red ribbon on their property and "treat others with kindness" in Andrew's memory.

A funeral service for Andrew will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Islip. Interment will follow at Nassau Knolls Cemetery in Port Washington.

Visitation will be Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Branch Funeral Home in Miller Place.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Boy Scout Troop 161, Mothers Against Drunk Driving or the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District's Wildcats Helping the Arts & Music program. 

The following is a statement  released Wednesday by the McMorris family:

 "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 5th grade production of The Wizard of Oz and of course Michael Jackson.

"Andrew was an active kid, and was often on the rosters of community soccer and basketball teams. This year, Andrew joined his middle school cross country team and had looked forward to running with his team in his first meet this week. He loved to ski, and looked forward to long weekends and fresh powder. He loved being outdoors, especially hiking and camping trips with his friends in Troop 161.

"Andrew was a dedicated community member, providing years of service through his participation with his Boy Scout Troop, Cub Scouts, and various school organizations. Serving in Boy Scouts was an honor Andrew was proud of. He dedicated to obtaining the highest honor of Eagle Scout. He participated in countless fundraisers, community clean-ups, and other projects such as tree planting and gardening.

"He loved to travel, and was always up for trips, visits and excursions. Together with his family, Andrew toured parts of Hawaii and Alaska, explored Paris, France, London, England and sailed Disney cruises.

"Bright and hardworking, Andrew was an Honor Roll student. Classmates, teachers and friends found him sometimes silly, always funny and, occasionally, a bit cheeky. He was a friend to everyone and showed kindness to all.

"Andrew was a loving son to Alisa and John, and a dedicated brother to Arianna. And to our larger SWR community of parents and children, Andrew was our 'son from another mother' and our 'other brother.'

"But more than any other characteristic, what stands out about Andrew is his desire to fly and his passion for aviation.

"Andrew wanted to fly before he could walk. Airplanes, helicopters and rockets were the obsession of his life, and he achieved his first piloting goal this past summer during AeroCamp. Andrew was occasionally chided by parents, coaches and teachers for having his head in the clouds, but for Andrew, that only made sense. He wanted his whole self in the clouds, broken free of the bonds of this earth, borne up into an endless sky, with nothing but blue around him and horizon ahead, aloft and away . . .

"Fly high, Andrew."

By Robert Brodsky

robert.brodsky@newsday.com@BrodskyRobert

Robert Brodsky is a breaking news reporter who has worked at Newsday since 2011. He is a Queens College and American University alum.