Longport Feeling Sudden Loss of Young Lifeguard

SOUTH JERSEY BEACH PATROLS RALLY BEHIND LONGPORT IN A TIME OF LOSS

The Longport Beach Patrol is still feeling the sudden loss of lifeguard Will Murray, just 21, who spent six summers protecting our beaches.

What happened next says everything about the lifeguard world.

Margate Beach Patrol Chief Chris Graves and Longport Beach Patrol Chief Tom Kresz emailed every South Jersey beach patrol chief asking if anyone could spare a guard on Monday, August 31 so Longport’s team could attend Will’s funeral and grieve together.

Late August is the toughest time of year – most guards are already back in school – but the response was overwhelming.

Brigantine, Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate, Ocean City, Upper Township, Sea Isle City, Avalon, North Wildwood, Wildwood, Cape May, and Cape May Point all stepped up. Twelve beach patrols. Twenty‑four lifeguards. One united show of support.

The beach patrol community calls itself a brotherhood and sisterhood. On August 31, they proved it in the most meaningful way.

William C. Murray

October 19, 2004 – August 26, 2026

William Christian Murray, 21, of Northfield, NJ, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026. Born October 19, 2004, in Somers Point, NJ, Will was immediately a unique soul. Even as a young boy, he saw and lived life through his own eyes. Never a conformist, Will was kind, loved animals, and was always drawn to the underdog. Will worked at Randall’s Seafood for his first job, followed by Calvi Electric and Leeds Construction. He loved summer, the ocean, and the beach, and proudly spent six seasons as a Longport Lifeguard. Will’s true passion was music. His first performance was singing Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog” at a Mainland football team dinner. A few short years later, he earned an opening-act spot for the Usual Suspects at the Margate Log Cabin, finishing his set with a rocking version of “Paint It Black.” Will was on his way. His blend of classic rock and country, always delivered with the unmistakable Will Murray twist, was something special. Never would he commit to a genre, since he loved all types of music. He played Thursday nights at the Cabin for the next three summers, where the staff and crowds came to love him. In 2025, his aspirations of forming a full band came to life with Scarlet Mae. Will, the band’s frontman and bassist, helped create unforgettable performances at several venues. His bandmates, Chris and Luis, became dear friends as they spent countless hours playing, rehearsing, and writing together. If you ever saw him play, you would instantly see he was in his happy place. The outpouring of support our family has received is a testament to who Will was and how he treated others. He was a family guy who loved meeting people from all walks of life. His ability to have meaningful, deep conversations came naturally. Through his music, Will wanted to reach people and make a difference. William will be deeply missed for his great big smile, wild hair, crazy outfits, and free spirit. He had the very best intentions and a heart that touched so many. We miss you and love you, Will.