A longtime referee of a kids basketball league died after collapsing during a game last night in Lakewood, TLS has learned.
John Murphy, approximately 70 years old, was refereeing at the BBA (Boys Basketball Association) game in Lakewood when he suddenly collapsed.
Hatzolah rushed to the gym, and immediately called for additional backup. Approximately 10 Hatzolah volunteers – including paramedics – responded to the scene.
The patient was treated in the gym, and then transported to the hospital where he was pronounced.
“It is with tremendous sadness to let you know that the referee (John Murphy) who collapsed last night in the beginning of the 8th grade game, passed away last night in the hospital,” the league wrote. “One thing I do know is that John loved working for the BBA, he loved working with all the kids over the years, and all the kids respected John. He looked forward the entire day to reffing our BBA games at night and he passed away doing what he loved doing.”
Murphy worked for the league for over 10 years, the league founder Mendy Kolko told TLS.
Kolko also commended Hatzolah for their efforts on trying to save John.
“Hatzolah was amazing,” he said. “They had 10-15 members there.”
Kolko says Murphy, a Toms River resident, lost his wife approximately a year ago, and these games were his life.
“This kept him going,” he said. “John was one of the nicest people I have ever met. I am sure that all the parents who have got to know John over the years would agree. It will not be the same going forward to walk into the gym and not see John waiting there to welcome in all the kids. We will miss John, and he will always be remembered. May he rest in peace.”
Kolko urges parents to send in their condolence.
What a special person! He always have a nice comment for each child, always boosting their self esteem.
Is there and email to send condolences to?
John was a nice man and always had his nice ways of coaching and he is a great loss
John was so nice to my kid in the league we really lost a nice man
He is such a nice person we really lost a special person
Dear John I am deeply saddened by the news of your passing. It is so hard for me to comprehend what happened simply because you were so full of life. You were an excellent coach and referee and most important of all an extremely nice guy. All the boys always loved chatting with you and learning from your coaching skills. I also always admired the way you treated your friends the other referees and were a father figure to them both on and off the court. Your precence and good cheer will sorely be missed
best ref ever we lost a really great person
John Murphy was the most professional, compassionate, talented basketball coach my sons ever had. He cared about the individual-not just the game. He made a difference in my son’s life.