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 1,863 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
0:49
Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

1:17
Sunny and cool for Friday; chance for rain late Saturday into Sunday

Sunny and cool for Friday; chance for rain late Saturday into Sunday

2:01
Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:48
Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

2:01
Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

1:56
Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

1:54
South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

1:27
East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

2:35
Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

0:36
11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

0:27
Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

1:13
The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

2:01
Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

0:20
Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

0:21
UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

0:26
Court adjourned for two suspects in human remains case

Court adjourned for two suspects in human remains case

0:31
John's Crazy Socks, Guide Dog Foundation unveil world's first tactile Braille socks

John's Crazy Socks, Guide Dog Foundation unveil world's first tactile Braille socks