HSE community pays tribute to former football star Mason Alexander

By DAKARAI TURNER

WISH-TV | wishtv.com

A community gathered to honor the life of Mason Alexander, the former Hamilton Southeastern football standout whose life was tragically cut short earlier this month in a car crash.

Alexander, who had a promising future ahead of him as a football player at the University of Pittsburgh after graduating and enrolling in January, was remembered by family, friends, and teammates during a somber and emotional celebration of life.

Held at the Fishers Event Center, the service was filled with grief, heartfelt tributes, and memories of the young man who had touched so many lives.

Mason Alexander’s life was abruptly taken when the car he was riding in veered off the road in Fishers, crashing into a tree and igniting in flames. He had been visiting home from college.

The talented athlete, who had been a highly-touted four-star recruit, had enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh in January, eager to continue his football career at the Division I level.

One by one, Mason’s loved ones spoke about the impact he had on their lives. His friends and family struggled to hold back tears, some too overcome with emotion to finish their thoughts.

“I barely can talk, I’m shaking,” a friend said. Another friend added, “It’s gonna hurt for a minute.”

His sister, who read a heartfelt letter from Mason’s young nephew, spoke of the profound loss. The letter from the boy, Royce, expressed love and gratitude for Mason, sharing how much everyone loved watching him play football and thanking him for watching over them.

“I love you more than words can express,” Mason’s sister said, choked with emotion. “The mistake I made was thinking we had more time left.”

During the service, Jim Self, the Hamilton Southeastern Athletic Director, addressed the crowd and spoke directly to Kelly, Mason’s mother. He shared that Mason’s number 15 jersey, which he had chosen to wear in honor of the day he discovered his father’s death on June 15, 2015, would no longer be worn by just anyone. Going forward, he said, only athletes who embody Mason’s passion and drive would wear that number.

“We have talked a lot about leaving a legacy,” Self said. “My challenge is simple: I want you to live your legacy.”

Dr. Kenneth Sullivan Jr., from New Direction Church, also spoke about Mason’s legacy, reminding those in attendance of the young man’s lasting impact. “You raised a son who has a legacy that will live on. He brought all of us together,” he said.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the accident that claimed Mason’s life.

This story originally appeared on WISH-TV at https://www.wishtv.com/news/community-memorial-mason-alexander/