Brockport student who drowned to be buried Friday

A funeral Mass is scheduled for Friday for The College at Brockport senior who died in a drowning accident early Sunday morning.

The death notice for Collin Patrick Murray, 22, appeared on the website for his hometown newspaper, the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin.

Mr. Murray, a senior, was scheduled to graduate Saturday with a bachelor's in criminal justice and political science. According to the death notice, Mr. Murray played club lacrosse for the college and was an assistant junior varsity coach in Greece. Mr. Murray was a 2011 graduate of Binghamton High School, where he played varsity lacrosse, golf and ran cross country.

Mr. Murray was a volunteer with the Greece Central School District's junior varsity Thunder Lacrosse team, which includes students from Odyssey and Athena high schools. District spokeswoman Laurel Heiden said coaches informed students about Mr. Murray's death prior to their game on Monday and that counselors were made available to students.

Brockport police reported Sunday that at about 2:30 a.m., a 22-year-old male was with two other males when he jumped into the Erie Canal from a guard gate that police called a lock. Police estimated the height of the structure between Redman Road and Smith Street at 70 feet, but the Canal Corp. said it is about 38 feet from the top of the gate to the waterline.

Police reported that the 22-year-old was the only one who entered the water.

The death notice described Mr. Murray as "dedicated to maintaining his physical and mental health. Truly believing 'Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.' Collin's goals were to live life to the fullest and to be a loyal and faithful friend. We love you and will miss you 'Collie Dog.' "

In his hometown, Mr. Murray played CYO basketball and soccer, and was on a Little League team. He was a Boy Scout, and achieved Life rank.

Mr. Murray is survived by his parents, Jude and Dan Murray; his brother, Jordan Murray, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. The death notice also listed many friends, including his three college roommates.

A Funeral Mass will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Friday at St. James Church, Johnson City, Broome County. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City.

In Mr. Murray's memory, the Collin Patrick Murray Lacrosse Scholarship Fund for graduating seniors at Binghamton High School is being established. Donations can be made c/o Visions Federal Credit Union, 4700 Vestal Parkway E. Vestal, NY 13850.

PSINGER@DemocratandChronicle.com

Includes reporting by staff writer Meaghan M. McDermott.