Down Syndrome Ambassador Colton Murray Has Passed Away

Twenty-three-month-old Colton Murray, who won the hearts of those in the Down syndrome community and beyond, passed away on Saturday.

Murray was an ambassador for children with Down syndrome. He appeared in the National Down Syndrome Society’s video that kicks off Down Syndrome Awareness Month in Times Square in New York City. He also appears in “Meet Colton,” a Riley Children’s Hospital video.

Murray was born with Down syndrome, several congenital heart defects and Hirschsprung’s disease. In his short life, he had several surgeries, hospitalizations and battled lung disease, kidney disease and fungal infections.

In posts about their son, the Murray family described their baby’s contagious smile and wonderful personality.

“I know Colton was an absolutely amazing boy, but I hadn’t truly realized just how many others saw it too,” Murray’s mother wrote in an Instagram post after his passing.

View this post on Instagram

I can't even begin to express how heartbroken we are. Many of you have realized that I've been avoiding all messages for the time being. I plan on getting to them as I'm feeling better. Although avoiding communication with others right now, I have opened up social media from time to time simply because I'm astounded by the outpouring of love & support. I know Colton was an absolutely amazing boy, but I hadn't truly realized just how many others saw it too. Thank you for loving our son. I'm attaching posts from news stations & the community so when I'm ready, I can easily access them to read the comments. It's heartwarming to see how he has touched the lives of others. If you find any that I haven't posted, please share the links in the comments on this post. I know some of you are worried about big brother Hayden. We didn't know if he would understand, but as we continue discussing it, he is comprehending well. Telling him was so hard because his eyes filled with tears as he'd ask "why." Many times, we find him saying that he wishes Colton could be here for Christmas. …and "all the Christmases." Us too buddy, us too. As for gifts that have been sent to Colton, we are planning on unwrapping them on Christmas day so we can visualize what it'd be like if he were still here to play with the items that were specifically picked out just for him. Unopened gifts will then be set aside for a hopeful Christmas in July project I want to do in his memory for Riley Hospital. Taking note from a friend, I don't want to see his stocking empty this year. I will also post an address in the next couple of days for people to send notes of memory, encouragement, & good deeds done in his memory for us to open on Christmas day. *We have not finalized arrangements yet, but should know them by tomorrow evening. * https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10155327318213507&id=60735318506 Additional links on FB #ColtonStrong #tricuspidatresia #hypoplasticrightventricle #tetrologyoffallot #unbalancedavcanal #chd #heartwarrior #hearthero #hirschsprungsdisease  #downsyndrome #downsyndromeawareness #dsdn #trisomy21 #t21 #theluckyfew #downrightperfect #littlebrother #tubie #rip

A post shared by ColtonStong (@coltonstrong_heartwarrior) on Dec 17, 2017 at 8:30pm PST

The Down syndrome community and other friends of Murray’s took to social media to share their memories of the young boy, as well as their condolences.

I'm so sad. To wake up this morning & read that little @coltonstrong_hw had past away in his mothers arms is just heartbreaking. Even though he was very sick his Facebook posts showed the world so much. #ColtonStrong ????????????????????????

— Trav Coutts (@TheAmbassador81) December 17, 2017

My heart is breaking for your family. Colton will be remembered in all of our hearts #coltonstrong

— Kathryn Grace Siemer (@charmed0526) December 16, 2017

This little boy defied the odds over and over. Please join me in lifting the Murray family in love and prayers for strength, comfort and peace. We love you, Colton. #ColtonStrong ❤️???????? https://t.co/QeNmZo9dlp

— leila (@likeleila) December 16, 2017

Image via ColtonStrong facebook page.