Pictured: Beloved boy, 12, killed in skiing tragedy on New Year’s Eve
A 12-year-old boy killed in a horrific crash at a New Hampshire ski resort on New Year’s Eve has been identified as a beloved son from Massachusetts.
Jack Murray was skiing the intermediate level Bandit Trail on Cranmore Mountain in North Conway around 11 a.m. Tuesday when the tragedy unfolded.
Police said the youth, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, crashed into a tree and was found unconscious in the snow. The Conway Daily Sun reported.
Ski Patrol crews began performing CPR and transported him to the base of the mountain, where he was transported to Maine Health/Memorial Hospital in critical condition.
Jack, who was on a ski trip with his parents, brother, cousin and uncle, succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
“He was skiing on a course that was well within his capabilities. He was wearing his helmet and safety equipment,” said his father Paul Murray WCVB.
“Just a one-in-a-million accident that unfortunately cut his life short.”
Jack was a seventh grader at Chapman Middle School and enjoyed art and playing drums in the school band.
Police said the youth, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, crashed into a tree and was found unconscious in the snow.
His father Paul Murray (centre) said Jack (left) was a keen skier and called the crash ‘a one in a million accident’.
“Jack is the most magical little boy and was on his way to becoming a truly exceptional man,” his obituary said.
“Jack is the best child a parent could ask for and we are all better people for having known him.”
He is survived by his parents, Paul and Crystal, younger brother Finley, his grandparents, 10 aunts and uncles and 14 nieces and nephews.
His family described the boy as a loving older brother with an infectious laugh and a sense of positivity.
‘Despite his short life, he did more in twelve years than most people do in a lifetime. He was an artist and musician who enjoyed drawing, painting, building, inventing and playing trombone and drums in the Chapman Middle School Band,” the obituary said.
“Jack loved his family, friends and neighbors (told this often) and he knew how much he was loved. Jack’s absence will leave a hole in the hearts of all who knew him, and the entire Weymouth community.”
Chapman Principal Jenny Dolan wrote a letter to the school community informing them that counselors are available.
“He was a much-loved member of Chapman and the wider community of Weymouth, this is a devastating loss. Jack was a bright light to all who knew him,” Dolan said.
He is survived by his parents, Paul and Crystal (top center and left), younger brother Finley (bottom center), his grandparents, 10 aunts and uncles and 14 nieces and nephews.
Jack Murray (pictured), 12, died in a horrific crash at a New Hampshire ski resort on New Year’s Eve
Jack was a seventh grader at Chapman Middle School and enjoyed art and playing drums in the school band
His family described the boy as a loving older brother with an infectious laugh and a sense of positivity
Jack Murray was skiing the intermediate level Bandit Trail on Cranmore Mountain in North Conway around 11 a.m. Tuesday when the tragedy unfolded.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack’s family and friends during this unthinkable loss. The staff of Chapman and Weymouth Public Schools are here to support his family, friends, staff and community.”
His family has one GoFundMe to raise money for the school band in lieu of flowers or gifts.
Both the resort and Conway police have expressed their condolences to the boy’s family following the “tragic loss.”
“On behalf of Cranmore Mountain Resort, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family,” a resort spokesperson said in a statement. CBS Boston. “The entire Cranmore family mourns this tragic loss.”
Conway Police Chief Christopher Mattei echoed this sentiment, saying, “On behalf of the Conway Police Department and all the first responders who responded, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family members of the 12-year-old boy. ‘