Parents of Boy Scout killed by suspected drunk driver urge safety behind the wheel

Alisa and John McMorris took part in a school assembly and used the story of their son's death to urge students to drive safely.

News 12 Staff

Mar 20, 2019, 11:36 PM

Updated 1,876 days ago

Share:

Parents of Boy Scout killed by suspected drunk driver urge safety behind the wheel
Hundreds of students at Shoreham-Wading River High School were given a sobering lesson Wednesday on the consequences of drunk or distracted driving.
Alisa and John McMorris took part in a school assembly and used the story of their son's death to urge students to drive safely.
Their 12-year-old boy Andrew was killed last September when a suspected drunk driver plowed into a group of Boy Scouts in Manorville. Police say suspect Thomas Murphy played golf and drank vodka before he got behind the wheel of his vehicle that day. He could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
"The biggest thing we want them to learn is, every decision they make, whether good or bad, have positive and negative consequences," says John McMorris.
Alisa McMorris says it's been difficult for her to participate in presentations like Wednesday's. But she says she receives little signs from her son that push her to make a difference.
The presentation is a part of the Choices and Consequences program, sponsored the office of Suffolk County District Attorney Tim Sini.
"One bad decision could impact your entire life," Sini says.
Tara Spohrer, of Mothers Against Drunk Driving New York, says families willing to share their stories, including their grief and the pain of their loss, help save lives.


More from News 12
2:16
Security upgrades at Newark Liberty International Airport are underway. What travelers need to know.

Security upgrades at Newark Liberty International Airport are underway. What travelers need to know.

1:58
Scattered thunderstorms expected Thursday morning

Scattered thunderstorms expected Thursday morning

2:29
New Sea Girt ordinance bans digging large holes at beach for safety reasons

New Sea Girt ordinance bans digging large holes at beach for safety reasons

2:40
KIYC: Is New Jersey’s treatment of rape victims violating their human rights?

KIYC: Is New Jersey’s treatment of rape victims violating their human rights?

2:54
4 Keyport businesses indefinitely shut down after construction incident condemns building

4 Keyport businesses indefinitely shut down after construction incident condemns building

1:52
Prosecutor: Mount Olive day care teacher accused of assaulting 16-month-old girl

Prosecutor: Mount Olive day care teacher accused of assaulting 16-month-old girl

How to report anti-Asian hate crimes in the tri-state

How to report anti-Asian hate crimes in the tri-state

2:46
Educators gather at FDU for program to learn how to teach Asian American and Pacific Islander history

Educators gather at FDU for program to learn how to teach Asian American and Pacific Islander history

0:23
Police issue safety warning after black bear spotted in Hawthorne neighborhood

Police issue safety warning after black bear spotted in Hawthorne neighborhood

0:36
Jersey Proud: Red Cross volunteers make sure Mount Holly residents have smoke detectors

Jersey Proud: Red Cross volunteers make sure Mount Holly residents have smoke detectors

0:29
Police: Multiple fights inside East Brunswick High School lead to lockdown, shelter-in-place

Police: Multiple fights inside East Brunswick High School lead to lockdown, shelter-in-place

0:20
Police: 2 men assault, rob victim walking alone in Montclair

Police: 2 men assault, rob victim walking alone in Montclair

2:14
State monitor assigned to Nutley Public School District to assist with finances

State monitor assigned to Nutley Public School District to assist with finances

1:34
ExxonMobil's Research and Engineering closing Clinton Township facility, relocating to Houston

ExxonMobil's Research and Engineering closing Clinton Township facility, relocating to Houston

0:17
Authorities: Man dies following Sunday shooting in Paterson

Authorities: Man dies following Sunday shooting in Paterson

0:27
Clayton police: Man, woman found dead inside apartment in reported murder-suicide

Clayton police: Man, woman found dead inside apartment in reported murder-suicide

0:30
Russian national charged in New Jersey with developing and operating LockBit ransomware

Russian national charged in New Jersey with developing and operating LockBit ransomware

0:31
Westfield police warn about apartment rental scam on social media

Westfield police warn about apartment rental scam on social media

0:29
Officials: 2 oil tanker engineers accused of dumping oily waste off coast of New Jersey

Officials: 2 oil tanker engineers accused of dumping oily waste off coast of New Jersey

0:24
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center nurses host Met Gala-like fashion show for Nurses Week

Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center nurses host Met Gala-like fashion show for Nurses Week