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."
-
Pacers still call Indiana home thanks to Herb and Mel Simon
The Simon brothers bought the Pacers for $11 million in 1983. Herb Simon is now the longest-tenured owner in the NBA and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame just before this season.
From Pacers to Pride: Your guide to a busy weekend in Indianapolis
This weekend, downtown Indianapolis will transform into a vibrant hub of activity, drawing tens of thousands to a packed schedule of events, from sports to concerts to Pride festivities.
Mother and boyfriend sentenced in death of toddler Oaklee Snow
Roan Waters and Madison Marshall have been sentenced for the death of 3-year-old Oaklee Snow. Waters received 45 years, while Marshall was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
'She's Back': Caitlin Clark returns to the court for Indiana Fever after injury
The Indiana Fever has exciting news for fans, announcing on Friday that Caitlin Clark is set to make her return to the court after recovering from a quad injury.
