NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott issued a statement regarding the death of Floridian Marine Sgt. Joe Murray, along with fourteen Marines and one Navy Corpsman, following the crash of their U.S. military plane in Mississippi. Governor Scott will honor the memory and sacrifice of Sgt. Murray, who was originally from Jacksonville, by ordering the lowering of flags. The details on the lowering of flags will be announced in the coming days.
Governor Scott said, “Ann and I join Americans across the nation in praying for the families and loved ones of the sixteen U.S. service members who lost their lives in this week’s tragic plane crash, including Marine Sgt. Joe Murray from Jacksonville. Sgt. Murray was well known as a beloved husband, father, son, and man of faith and service. We are heartbroken by this loss. Sgt. Murray and his fellow fallen service members will now be honored and remembered across our country as heroes. We pray that this legacy of heroism will bring Sgt. Murray’s family some comfort during this unimaginably difficult time.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers our service members face each day as they selflessly protect our families and our freedom. The State of Florida is proud to be the home of brave heroes of like Sgt. Murray and we will continue to pray for the safety of all our service members at home and abroad.”
