Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken today announced the City will rename the gymnasium at 605 Jackson St. in honor of Damon Murray, a lifelong Hoboken resident who tragically lost his life to gun violence last month at the age of 21.
"Damon Murray embodied the very essence of resilience and leadership, leaving an indelible mark on our community through his athleticism and unwavering dedication to guiding our youth,” said Mayor Bhalla. “By renaming the gymnasium in his honor, we pay homage to his legacy and pledge to continue the fight against senseless gun violence, ensuring that Damon's light continues to inspire and guide us all."
“I am blessed to see the outpouring of love and support the community had, and continues to have, for my son," said Damon’s mother, Carolyn Dejarnette-Murray. “Damon is gone too soon, but I hope the gym renaming will help make sure he will never be forgotten.”
A 2020 graduate of, and star athlete for the football and basketball teams at, Hoboken High School, Damon was a preferred walk-on for the Rutgers University football program. Damon was recently working for the Hoboken Public School District, specifically with special needs children as a paraprofessional. He was on his way to becoming a Hoboken Fire Fighter and furthering his career in public service, when his life was tragically cut short.
The City will officially unveil new signage naming the gym the “Damon Murray Community Gym" at a celebration this summer.
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