Autopsy Results Released for High School Football Player Who Died After On-Field Hit

Three days after he suffered a hard hit on the field and died later Friday evening, autopsy results for Evan Murray have been released.

Morris County Medical Examiner Ronald Suarez, M.D., stated the cause of death was a laceration of the spleen. Suarez determined Murray’s spleen was abnormally enlarged, making it susceptible to injury. “There was no evidence of head trauma or heart disease,” Suarez said. The manner of death was accidental.

Murray came off the field under his own power Friday night after being hit in the backfield. The three-year quarterback was examined on the sideline and was later taken to Morristown Medical Center. There he was pronounced dead.

In the days since the community’s loss, a GoFundMe page has pulled in about $50,000, and an online petitions has garnered nearly 3,000 signatures in a call to the Warren Hills Regional High School District to rename its football field the Evan Murray Memorial Field.

See related:

• Funeral Services Set for High School Football Player Who Died After On-Field Hit
• Football Player Who Died Walked Off Field After Tackle: Report
• N.J. Football Player’s Death Remains Mystery As Mournful Students Return
• Petition Seeks to Name Field for Football Player Who Died After On-Field Hit

Students went back to school Monday after grief counselors were made available throughout the weekend.

Murray’s death caught national attention, bringing well wishes and condolences from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and a handful of professional athletes from the sports world.