Schoolboy, 12, killed in horror ski crash on New Year’s Eve as heartbroken family pay tribute to ‘magical’ youngster
A 12-year-old schoolboy was killed in a horror ski crash on New Year’s Eve with his heartbroken family now paying tribute to the “magical youngster”.
Jack Murray was skiing on an intermediate trail on Cranmore Mountain in New Hampshire when the tragedy unfolded.
Cops said the youngster struck a tree and was found unconscious in the snow despite wearing a helmet, the Conway Daily Sun reported.
He was transported to a hospital in Maine in a critical condition after ski patrol crews performed CPR on the boy and brought him to the base of the mountain.
Tragically, Jack died in hospital.
An obituary to Jack said: “Jack is the most magical little boy and was on his way to becoming a truly exceptional man.
“Jack is the greatest child a parent could ask for and we are all better people for having known him.
“Despite his short life he did more in twelve years than most do in a lifetime.
“He was an artist and musician who loved to draw, paint, build, invent, play trombone and drums in the Chapman Middle School Band.
“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.”
Jack, from Massachusetts, was on the ski trip with his parents, brother, cousin and uncle.
Jack’s heartbroken dad Paul Murray told Boston television station WCVB: “He was skiing on a trail that was well within his ability. He was wearing his helmet and safety gear.
“Just kind of a one-in-a-million accident that, unfortunately, cut his life too short.”
Chapman Principal Jenny Dolan wrote a letter to the school community remembering Jack.
It said: “He was a beloved member of Chapman and the greater Weymouth community, this is a devastating loss. Jack was a bright light for all that knew him.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack’s family and friends during this unthinkable loss. Chapman staff and the Weymouth Public Schools are here to support his family, friends, staff, and the community.”
A spokesperson for Cranmore Mountain Resort said: “On behalf of Cranmore Mountain Resort, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
“The entire Cranmore family grieves this tragic loss.”
The family have launched a GoFundMe to raise money for the school band in Jack’s honor.
The tragedy came just a day after Californian Clara Thomann died after falling into a gorge near Plakias, Crete, on December 23.
Thomann was reportedly six months pregnant at the time.
Her family announced she suffered multiple fractures to her chest and skull that left her brain dead.
Her unborn baby is said to have also died instantly in the fatal fall.