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Daughter remembers father killed in hit-and-run incident on the Blue Heron Bridge

Posted at 6:53 PM, Sep 25, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-26 04:07:41-04

A memorial run took place Tuesday on the Blue Heron Bridge for 78-year-old Eugene Murphy.

 "Loved to mentor people, he loved to help others, he was always thinking of others and never thought of himself," said his daughter Mimi Murphy.

The retired attorney went for a morning run on the bridge last week. A driver fatally struck him then left the scene. The damaged car was found and detectives arrested a man on a separate charge. The case remains under investigation.

Meanwhile, Murphy's daughter remains in disbelief that her father is gone: "I will miss running with him. My first road race was with my father I was in the 8th grade and he took me to Flamingo Park.

"I will miss his guidance, I will miss calling him."

Brian Gleason met Murphy more than 10 years ago. They trained together for half ironman triathlons. Murphy will no longer be by his side to encourage him. Gleason said: "Was always impressed by his will and spirit and just by his infectious laugh."

A husband, a father and a friend will be missed.

Gleason added: "Sunrise like I said, it's like a fresh start and a new beginning. If we are going to remember Gene, why not have a fresh start today. Mimi and I sat at the top of the bridge and we were able to see a full moon and a sunrise over here. We felt it here. We felt his spirit."

"My father was my idol and I wanted to be as successful as he was," his daughter said. "And I will continue my life to lead my life like he did."

On Monday, family and friends attended a memorial at a local church. Riviera Beach police say the case remains under investigation.