FISHERS — 18-year-old Mason Alexander was about to fulfill his dream and represent Hamilton Southeastern High School on the college football field. He died in a car crash before he had the chance to do so.

Hundreds of people honored Alexander inside the Fishers Event Center on Tuesday. Many wore shirts that said "Forever 15," in memory of the jersey number he wore at Hamilton Southeastern.

Alexander graduated from high school early and was already enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh. He died on March 1 while visiting home during the university's spring break when the car he was riding in lost control and hit a tree.

Alexander's teammates and coach at Pitt made the trip to Fishers for the memorial service.

"His family was his why," said Pitt football coach Pat Narduzzi while recalling one of the last meetings he had with Alexander. "We were sitting there and talking about how much he loves his mother."
Alexander's mother is his only surviving parent. His father died in 2015, part of why Alexander chose to wear number 15 at Hamilton Southeastern and Pitt.

"That 15 stood for something, and we look forward to carrying that on," said Alexander's uncle Rahvy Murray. "Mason's not gone. He may be gone on earth, but his legacy will live on forever."

Hamilton Southeastern athletic director Jim Self hopes to permanently honor Alexander with the number he made famous.
"I think we should give that jersey to the young man that most represents what Mason was all about, that you have to earn number 15."
-
Hazy, hot and humid Thursday | July 16, 2026
Hot and humid conditions expected for the next couple of days. Spotty rain chances will be possible through the first part of the weekend.
Silver Alert cancelled for 3-year-old, 1-year-old believed to be with adult male
The Ripley County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help locating two young children and an adult male last seen Wednesday night.
WNBA All-Star Game rosters set, Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston on the same team
WNBA Hall of Famers Teresa Weatherspoon and Cynthia Cooper were selected as general managers for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game and selected their teams.
Defending champion Argentina reaches World Cup final by beating England 2-1
Defending champion Argentina rallied to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday and reach the World Cup final.