'Andrew's Top Gun 5K' Honors LI Boy Scout, 12, Killed By Drunk Driver

WADING RIVER, NY — This fall will mark seven years since Andrew McMorris of Wading River died. On March 30, he would have turned 19 years old, a young man with his whole life ahead of him — a future shaped by his love of music, travel and aviation.

Those dreams will never be realized: Andrew McMorris, who was killed by a drunk driver in 2018 while out on a hike with his Boy Scout troop, was just 12 years old when his young life was cut cruelly short.

Once again, the Suffolk County Council, Scouting America and the Andrew McMorris Foundation will host Andrew’s Top Gun 5K to celebrate Andrew’s 19th birthday — and his passion for aviation and scouting. Registrations, donations, and sponsorships are being accepted and can be found here.

The event takes on the runway at EPCAL in Calverton on Saturday, March 29. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The Kids' Fun Run begins at 8:30 a.m., and the opening ceremony starts at 8:45 a.m., culminating with a flyover and a 5K start time of 9 a.m.

"The lives of his family, friends, community, and fellow Scouts were forever changed by Andrew’s loss," organizers of the event said.

Andrew’s parents Alisa and John McMorris said they feel humbled by the outpouring of support and look forward to celebrating with the community that helped them during their darkest days.

Each year, Andrew’s Top Gun Run brings together more than 1,000 participants. "We are thrilled that so many people join us to celebrate Andrew’s life. Our partners at Strong Island Running Club ensure that we have a high-quality race every year," organizers said.

Dr. Louis Scotti, Suffolk County Council President, added: "We are honored to partner with the Andrew McMorris Foundation to celebrate Andrew, and we look forward to another fantastic day. We are grateful for our many sponsors."

All participants will enjoy complimentary food and fun at the event. Those who cannot attend the event in person can do so virtually by signing up here.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will support the Andrew McMorris Foundation and the Suffolk County Council.

And, while years have passed, the pain is eternal, Andrew's family said. "Time does not ease the pain, but having our community continue to show up helps us to continue to put our pain to purpose," Alisa McMorris, Andrew's mother, told Patch. "As we have said before — we weren’t done parenting Andrew, so we parent his legacy. He could have changed the world — and so we carry him and say his name and walk/run while he cannot."

The days without her boy are long, Alisa said. "On his 19th birthday Andrew will have been gone six-and-a-half years. 2,372 days since I cradled his face and kissed his cheek, whispering our final good-byes. Through tears, I told him how sorry I was we couldn’t save him and that I would live the rest of my life to make sure this never happens to another sweet child or loved one."

His family continues to share that message, traveling to high schools across Long Island with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office's "Choices and Consequences" program.

"As of today, I believe I’ve spoken to more than 10,000 students on the dangers of drunk and impaired driving," Alisa said. "John and I feel if we can change the hearts and mind of just one person, that will be what can propel the change for many."

In addition, she said, they have been to Albany "too many times to count, as we fight for stronger vehicular laws, including Andrew's Law."

Sponsored by New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, Andrew's Law proposes three things: To reclassify vehicular crimes that result in serious physical injury and/or death as violent crimes; to authorize consecutive sentencing for vehicular crimes that result in multiple victims or mass casualties; and to expedite the process for obtaining a warrant for a blood sample when a drunk or drugged driver seriously injures or kills another person.

The McMorris family also advocates for drug-impaired driving legislation, which would ensure that those who drive impaired are held accountable. And, too, they will be traveling again to Albany to speak out strongly in favor of lowering the illegal blood alcohol level to .05 BAC.

(Video courtesy McMorris family)

And, while the ache never subsides, his family keeps Andrew's memory alive with every beat of their own hearts.

"We hand out numerous scholarships and grants in Andrew's name each year; the application deadline ends on his birthday, March 30," she said.

And then, there is the annual Andrew's Top Gun 5K event. "This year, as we have for the past four years, we celebrate his birthday on the runway in Calverton, the old Grumman runway where the huge F-14 used to take off. Andrew loved that space. He would ride his bicycle there and pretend he was taking off. "

The McMorris family said they wanted to thank the numerous vendors that have donated their time and talents, including TGIF Rentals, Event Pros, Applebee’s, the Philly Pretzel Factory, Glenn Wayne Bakery, Wildcat Bagels, Starbucks, and McNulty's Ice Cream. Snacks have also been donated by Andrew's cousins, she said.

"Again this year, we have Andrew's Challenge, donated by Andrew’s grandparents Sally and Jim McMorris, who are celebrating their 87th birthday the same weekend," she said.

Others who have donated include Alley Cat Signs, Riverhead Building Supply, Hampton Carts, Riverhead EMS, the Wading River and Manorville Fire Departments, and the McMorris' run partners, John McHugh and Strong Island Running Club.

"Endless thanks to the incredible board behind AMF — your dedication, organization, and hard work make everything possible. Every step we run is because of the effort this team —and others not pictured — put in behind the scenes. Get ready to run with us!" Alisa said.

She added: "Our team works tirelessly, including many scouters such as Donna Lillie, who helps us put on a fabulous celebration for Andrew each year."

But no matter how many days pass, the grief lives on.

"The pain is what fuels us to walk forward and carry on the mission to parent his legacy and end this scourge of preventable crimes," Alisa said.

"Some days are much harder — tonight was one of them. I cannot explain why sometimes the grief wave hits you from out of the blue, but it does," Alisa said. "It is at those times I find tremendous comfort in those who continue to honor and remember Andrew. Walking together is the only way to survive; it is hard to explain. It feels so long ago, but the pain of Andrew’s last breath entraps my heart as if it happens yesterday. It feels like putting on a pair of jeans two sizes too small, that you cannot unbuckle — a suffocating reality."

And with each new milestone her son will never reach, the cavernous loss echoes.

"The reality is, you don’t lose them once — you lose them over and over again in a thousand tiny ways," Alisa said. "It’s a journey that tests our strength and courage over and over again, as we try to find meaning again."

The outpouring of support as the 5K nears, buoys spirits. "So far, we have over 650 runners, and I am overwhelmed by it," Alisa said. "Honestly, it is a sweet surprise that so many people show up and say his name. They will never know how much it heals our soul to have the support."

She added: "John and I also find comfort in helping others through their darkest times. Sitting quietly with them or helping them walk around Albany and tell their loved one's story — to sing the songs of those who were taken too soon."

Her mother's heart will forever yearn for her beloved son, Alisa said. "The ache, sometimes, is so deep that I wonder if it will ever get better — and then, I hope it never does."

To the many that have wrapped their arms around the McMorris family during the most painful of journeys, they have only gratitude: "The warmth of your words, the expression of friendship, and yes, love, meant more to us than you can ever know."