Riverhead Patch: 'Andrew's Top Gun Run' Honors Memory Of Scout Killed By Drunk Driver
Lisa Finn,Patch Staff
March 23, 2023:
CALVERTON, NY — Andrew McMorris of Wading River, a Boy Scout who was killed by a drunk driver in 2018 while out on a hike with his Boy Scout troop when he was just 12 years old, had dreams that soared. He loved aviation and longed to be a pilot one day — until his life was cut cruelly short.
To honor his beautiful life, his family, the Suffolk County Council of Boy Scouts and the Andrew McMorris Foundation will once again host "Andrew’s Top Gun Run 5K" to celebrate what would have been Andrew’s 17th birthday — along with his passion for aviation and Scouting.
The event will be held Saturday, March 25, on the runway at Enterprise Park at Calverton, located at 962 Burman Boulevard, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. To register and for more information, including details on donations and sponsorships, click here.
Andrew was killed by a drunk driver while hiking the Greenbelt Trail with his Boy Scout Troop 161 in September, 2018. Several other Scouts were severely injured as a result of this tragic crash.
The lives of his family, friends, community and fellow Scouts were forever changed by Andrew’s loss, all involved said.
His family has remained dedicated to "parenting his legacy" and ensuring that Andrew's death was not in vain; recently, the McMorris family headed to Albany to fight for a lower legal blood alcohol level in New York State.
Last year’s inaugural "Top Gun Run" drew more than 1,000 participants.
"This year is guaranteed to be bigger and better," said Alisa McMorris, Andrew's mother. "We were so thrilled that so many people came out to celebrate Andrew and helped to turn a runway into a huge party. Our partners at Strong Island Running made sure it was a high caliber race."
David Hunt, Suffolk County Council of Boy Scouts president added: "We are honored to partner with the Andrew McMorris Foundation in celebrating Andrew, and we are looking forward to another fantastic day."
Alisa said she was moved by the outpouring of community support for the fun, family event, as well as the many sponsors who have come together to help. To view a full list of sponsors or to sign up to be a sponsor, click here.
All participants at the event will enjoy complimentary refreshments. For those who cannot participate in person, the opportunity exists to take part virtually, "as we finish what we start," Alisa said. For additional information on participating virtually, click here.
All proceeds with support the Andrew McMorris Foundation and the Suffolk County Council of Boy Scouts.
Both his parents, John and Alisa, spoke with Patch about what the event means, in memory of their precious boy.
"We are so grateful for the ongoing support of our community. So many people donated their time and services without any expectations, and we are humbled by the love," said John McMorris, Andrew's father. "It is how we move forward and honor Andrew’s legacy."
Alisa spoke about the rain forecast for Saturday: "When you endure a traumatic loss, the world can feel like a minefield of emotion. It seems appropriate that we will have some times of intermittent liquid sunshine on Saturday as this grief journey is spotted with times of gloomy sadness," she said. "But what it reminds us is of how there is sunshine behind those clouds. The old saying, 'April showers bring May flowers,' so we work through the sadness together and can step out together into the sun of a new day."
For additional information or to be added to the Andrew McMorris Foundation's email list for newsletter updates, click here.