FISHERS — 18-year-old Mason Alexander died in a car crash on March 1 while visiting home during spring break from the University of Pittsburgh.
Hundreds gathered at the Fishers Event Center on Tuesday to honor Alexander, wearing shirts emblazoned with “Forever 15,” a tribute to his jersey number at Hamilton Southeastern High School.
Alexander had graduated early and was poised to play college football. The fatal crash occurred when the car he was riding in lost control and struck a tree.
Teammates and coaches from the University of Pittsburgh attended the memorial service. Pitt football coach Pat Narduzzi recounted a conversation with Alexander, emphasizing his love for his mother, his only surviving parent after his father's death in 2015. Alexander chose to wear the number 15 as a homage to his father.
Alexander's uncle, Rahvy Murray, reinforced the sentiment: “Mason's not gone. He may be gone on earth, but his legacy will live on forever.”
Hamilton Southeastern Athletic Director Jim Self proposed a tribute to Alexander by permanently honoring his number. “We should give that jersey to the young man that most represents what Mason was all about, that you have to earn number 15,” he said.