ONLY ON 3: Surfer’s memorial withstands more than 5 years

SURF CITY, NC (WWAY) — After more than five years, a  make shift memorial is still standing in Surf City in memory of a local surfer.

As you walk up to the Surf City Pier, it looks just like any other vacation destination. If you look just to your right, next to Buddy’s Crab House, you’ll see Kurt Murray’s memorial.

“It’s a staple,” On Shore Surf Shop Owner George Howard said. “Everybody looks at it everybody thinks about it.”

Howard said it has been there since September 19, 2010, but he can still remember that day like it was yesterday.

“It was a good day, a good swell,” Howard said.

Howard said Kurt Murray was surfing near the pier.

“Surfing the hurricane swell,” Howard said.

That would be Murray’s last hurricane swell.

“When the accident happened, it was about 1:30, 2:00,” Howard said. “It was a tough day.”

Murray drowned that day at the pier.

“That day is still kind of sad,” Howard said. “It gets emotional talking about it.”

That day will never be forgotten, because after about 150 surfers did a paddle out for Murray, Howard said another surfer built Murray this memorial.

“He had the cross up the next day,” Howard said. “It was amazing how quickly it came together.”

Then he said the community just started adding to it.

“He put a sharpie pen and everyone just started sighing,” Howard said.

It did not end there.

“People keep adding to it,” Howard said. “You’ll come up one day and there will be a leash or a flower.”

After five years, Howard said the surfing community continues to make sure the site is kept clean.

“We take care of our own and that’s what the cross is about,” Howard said. ”

This cross is for Kurt Murray.

“He was a great kid,” Howard said. “Just a great kid.”

Howard said the community will continue to take care of this cross, so Murray’s story will continue to be told.

“Kurt will never be forgotten,” Howard said. ” That’s for certain.”

Howard also said there is an annual surfing contest held in March called the King of the Peak surf contest for a small scholarship dedicated in Murray’s memory.