Hundreds of students, parents and supporters crowded Northwest Middle School gym to cheer on their favorite team, but mostly to pay respect to a fallen player.
The Murrah High versus Jim Hill High School game was an emotional yet victorious win for the Mustangs. They played without two of their fellow teammates.
On Jan. 23, before a basketball game, four Mustang players left the campus and as they were returning, were involved in a car accident that left one passenger dead. Sixteen-year-old LeChristopher Ulmer was pronounced dead on the scene. Star player Dundrecous Nelson sustained a broken skull and is still hospitalized, but is expected to be released soon. Two other passengers, Jason Hubbard and Daniel Francis suffered minor injuries and were released from the hospital shortly after the accident. They both started in Tuesday night’s win over Jim Hill 77-75.
Both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, as well as many students, paid tribute to Ulmer by wearing ‘R.I.P’ t-shirts with Ulmer’s photograph and “Until We Meet Again” written across the front. Some students even made posters with Ulmer’s name and pictures.
Before the start of the boy’s game, a moment of silence was held to pay respect. Through many emotions, students cried and consoled each other as they thought of of their fallen friend.
In honor and homage to Ulmer, students have started several groups and written memory notes on the popular networking site FACEBOOK, in his memory. One student, 11th grader Essence Wallace said that ‘God was going to pull them through’ during this tragic time.
“This was God’s way of pulling us all together,” said Wallace. “We should feel honored to know God considered Chris as a new angel to watch over us.”
Funeral services for LeChristopher Ulmer will be held on Friday, Jan. 30 at 11 a.m. at Greater Bethlehem Temple, 1550 Robinson Road in Jackson.
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