Friends Brave Snow, Cold To Pay Tribute to Cory Hubbard

Despite heavy snow and cold temperatures, friends came together Tuesday to pay heartfelt tribute to Cory Hubbard at Westhampton Beach High School.

The event was organized on Facebook, where those who loved him were asked, on the Cory Hubbard Memorial Photo page, to meet on Tuesday at the Westhampton Beach High School football field, for a group photo.

"In remembrance of the extraordinary athlete Cory was, we hope to form a #12 on the field," the page read.

And, despite the gusty winds and blowing snow, those who loved him came out to form the the #12, Corey Hubbard's number, in honor of the young man who touched so many lives.

In honor of his friend, Mike Lennon made a beautiful video of the event. "We did this for you, Cory," he wrote. "No conditions can stop us from honoring you. #12."

Friends and family were devastated to learn early Friday morning that Westhampton Beach native Hubbard, 22, a student at the University of Maryland, lost his life after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver.

According to the Prince George’s County Police Department, Hubbard was killed while trying to cross Baltimore Avenue at Knox Road in College Park on Friday at 2:00 a.m.

Friends from near and far have been reaching out to share with his parents the impact that the young man made on their lives.

"He was put here to make people's lives better, to give love and take love. That was his role, God's mission for him. And we're so lucky to have had him," his father Ralph Hubbard said.

Scores of friends shared their memories of their son, an athlete, a scholar, and a kind-hearted young man who touched the lives of so many.

"His college roommates were interviewed and said he was a peacekeeper," his mother Holly Hubbard said. "He was the one always keeping everyone in check, as a lacrosse goalie, the one that gave everyone support on the field."

The Hubbards said they and their eldest son Kyle want to thank the community for the tremendous outpouring of love they've received. 

"We are just blown away, by the amount of support and kindness. Everyone wants to do something. It's unbelievable. It's just a shame it has to come in the face of tragedy," she said.

The Hubbards have been receiving emails from all across the country from friends who traveled with their son.

"One friend told us that Cory was such a great guy. He taught him how to be confident, how to be genuine," his father said. 

Through sports, including lacrosse, football and wrestling, and through REACH, a program he pursued with the Westhampton Presbyterian Church, the young man "was quick to make friends," Hubbard said. "One girl told us that even though she'd only met him once, she'd never forget him."

“It is with deep sadness that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the University of Maryland student killed this morning in a tragic, senseless accident,” said Wallace D. Loh, president of the University of Maryland in a statement. “In this time of loss, I ask that the entire Maryland family keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”

Hubbard, a 2010 graduate of Westhampton Beach High School was a senior at Maryland University studying Kinesiology.

Growing up in Westhampton Beach, Hubbard excelled on high school sports teams including lacrosse, wrestling and football.

Friends were heartbroken at the tragic news. "Cory was always full of a never-ending energy," said Joanna DeLeon. "He was blessed with a light that could shine for eternity. His smile made you smile and his laugh made you laugh. He brought joy to people's lives and I will always remember him that way."

The Westhampton Beach School District share the following sentiments: "The Westhampton Beach School District mourns the loss of Cory Hubbard, a 2010 graduate of Westhampton Beach High School. Cory was an exceptional young man who was held in the highest esteem by our faculty, his classmates, and the entire school community. He was an excellent student and a gifted athlete – but most importantly he was an outstanding human being who touched the lives of so many people in a positive way. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hubbard family during this difficult time."