NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. -- Maurice Bey was not just a well-known basketball player; his game extended far beyond the courts. And while his time here physically may have ended last week, family members said the 15-year-old student’s smile and spirit will live on.
Tuesday night, on the same court at Quinton Park where Bey collapsed and died last Wednesday, the pick-up games went on. Then shortly afterwards, a crowd gathered in his honor.
"I don't believe he's dead,” said Maurice Bey, Sr. “I don't believe he's gone. He's with me. I talk to him every day."
Photo Credit: Jemeka Curry
More than 200 people released balloons and when they took flight, family and former teachers said it was no mistake they drifted together.
"It's unity. That's what Maurice was about, bringing people together and touching hearts," said Alisha Fowler, one of Maurice Bey’s former teachers.
The hearts of Maurice’s family members and friends are still heavy with grief, but all of them said they were part of Team Maurice. His teachers said he wouldn’t want it any other way.
Photo Credit: Jemeka Curry
“This is a crowd of different races, religion, and socio-economic backgrounds and he managed to unite all,” said teacher Tamika Hathaway. “We loved him. It's a testament to him.”
His love for hoops and the hard court was known to all. Bey's dad said his son lived and breathed basketball, and added he had a history of rooting for winning teams. Ever since he was a little boy, losing wasn't a part of his vocabulary.
He left behind sneakers his baby sister now vows to fill. "I'm going to play basketball now," said the 13-year-old.
Maurice Bey would've been a sophomore this year. His friends said they always remember him saying "faith and obedience" are the most important things in life.
