New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
On Tuesday, August 2 John “Jack” Murphy 22, of Bosotn was killed by a lightning strike while backpacking in Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming. Jack was on an expedition with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
Murphy was a 2018 graduate of Boston College High School where he was a proud member of the 2018 state championship rugby team and attended college at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Jack leaves behind his parents and two sisters.
The family said in a public statement “We are rocked by grief at having lost our dear Jack. Jack loved the outdoors and found peace in the physical exertion it takes to climb to a remote place like Enos Lake, so far from the city home he grew up in.
We know in his last moments he was with others who shared his passion for the wilderness and helping others. And he was doing what he loved best – being outdoors, in awe of the beauty of nature.”
“Jack exemplified the leadership qualities that we hope to instill in our students and lived our Jesuit mission to be a man for others. We will continue to hold his family, teammates, and classmates in our prayers and hope to offer some comfort as the BC High community comes together to celebrate his life later this week.” said Boston College High School.
The Murphy family wishes to thank the NOLS guides and fellow students who tried bravely to save him and provided Jack fellowship in what were his last days. The family also thanks Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) for their efforts to save Jack and the support provided for his fellow campers.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 9, from 4:00pm-8:00pm at the J.S. Waterman Langone Chapel, 580 Commercial St., Boston. Complimentary Valet Parking Attendants At Front Door. A service celebrating Jack’s life will follow on Wednesday, August 10 at 10:00am at Trinity Church in The City of Boston, 206 Clarendon St., Boston.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift in Jack’s honor to the Jack Murphy Wilderness Education Fund, a trust that will support others who have a passion to live, teach, and serve in the great outdoors (contact jackmurphyfund@gmail.com). We also welcome you to consider planting a tree in his honor in a place that is close to your heart where you can pause to remember him. Given the many who loved Jack, the family can imagine a forest growing in his name.
Jack’s full obituary, details on service, statement from family about his life and interests, can be seen here.
John Murphy Facebook photo.
John Murphy Facebook photo.
