Lake Manawa Accident Claims Life

    Noah Murray, a Glenwood resident and Nishna Valley High School graduate, died on Wednesday from injuries he suffered in a swimming accident at Lake Manawa on Aug. 28.

    Murray, 28, was boating with friends at Lake Manawa when he jumped out of the boat and hit his legs on a sandbar in a shallow area of the lake, jarring his spine. The collision caused spine and brain injuries. Murray was lifeflighted to Mercy Hospital then Creighton University Medical Center where he was placed on a ventilator. Murray was taken off life support at 11:18 p.m. last Wednesday. He never regained consciousness following the accident.
    Noah and his twin brother, Nick, were a well- known local country music duo. They won the American Country Idol contest in 2008. The brothers toured Europe last spring and performed over 200 dates this summer.
    Services were held for Murray at Peterson Mortuary on Saturday. Noah was a structural engineer and owner of Cyclone Choppers in Collins. His favorite motorcycle was present during the services, holding a photo of him.
    Noah is recalled by his family as a strong-willed person always willing to go the extra distance.
    “He was a big, strong, guy. Nothing hurt him. Once he got something in his mind, he could do anything,” said Tom Murray, Noah’s father.
    “He was an exceptional, outrageous, fun, out-going, loving, warm-hearted, selfless guy...the list is endless,” said Nick of his brother. “He’s an infinite person.”
    “He’s someone who will always be remembered. He lived life to the fullest and never took no for an answer,” said younger brother Nate.
    Noah was an organ donor. Five of his organs and tissue were matches for patients in need, said Nate.
    “Even in death he helped five more people to live,” said Nate. “That’s exactly the person he was. He was very giving.”
    In a March interview, Noah told The Opinion-Tribune, “Music is an art. Some people like to paint. My brother and I, we like music that way. It’s a way of life for us. Just imagine how boring life would be on this planet without music.”
    Noah Murray had two daughters, Emma Rose and Ella, and was to be married later this year.
    In lieu of flowers, the family has asked memorials be made to the Noah Murray Memorial Fund at First National Bank.