By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
CONWAY – A 12-year-old Weymouth, Mass., boy who was an avid and capable skier enjoying New Year’s Eve day with family tragically died after hitting a tree at Mount Cranmore Resort, marking the first fatal accident on a ski trail in New Hampshire for the 2024-25 season.
Jack A. Murray of Weymouth could not be revived by ski patrol members who administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the intermediate Bandit Trail Dec. 31, 2024, at about 10:45 a.m. with his mother, father, brother, cousin and uncle by his side, according to his obituary.
“The bright shining lights in life never shine long enough, and Jack was that bright light for so many,” his obituary reads.
He was a seventh grader involved in band, soccer and wrestling at Chapman Middle School, whose students and staff will now begin to gather after the holidays and process the loss along with his parents Paul and Crystal and brother, Finley among many others.
Christopher Mattei, chief of the Conway Police Department, extended his condolences on what was a hard loss in the Mount Washington Valley during the school vacation week.
It was noted in a press release that he struck a tree, was unconscious and that CPR had already been initiated by ski patrol before he was transported by ambulance to Maine Health/Memorial Hospital in North Conway where he succumbed to his injuries.
A Go Fund Me page has been established with the proceeds going to support the school’s band. By 6:40 p.m. Sunday, more than $78,000 had been raised. https://www.gofundme.com/f/jackmurraymemorial
The holiday Christmas and New Year’s week, which was actually two weeks this year, saw many visitors to New Hampshire and most ski areas had at least half of their terrain open with both natural and man-made snow.
Officials at Cranmore Mountain Resort also extended their condolences to the family.
Jack Murray, who had “infectious enthusiasm” was skiing well within his ability, according to his father, Paul Murray, who spoke with Boston television media.
Jack Murray was “the most magical little boy and was on his way to becoming a truly exceptional man. His positivity and laughter are infectious. 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….,” his obituary reads.
Full obituary can be read here: https://www.keohane.com/obituaries/jack-murray
