Sprint executive Murphy killed in Colo. accident

Thomas Murphy, vice president of corporate brand marketing for Sprint, was killed Friday when a boulder crashed through the windshield of his vehicle while he and his family were driving on Highway 82 near Aspen. Colo.

The Colorado State Patrol said a boulder the size of a briefcase fell off a mountain and crashed through the windshield of the family's 2007 Chevy Tahoe, The Kansas City Star reported.

The Star reported Murphy was knocked unconscious, and his 11-year-old son, Ethan, suffered moderate injuries. Murphy's wife, Jennifer, placed the Tahoe in neutral in hopes it would come to a stop while it was on a steep downhill trajectory, but authorities said it took more than a mile for her to bring the vehicle under control from the front passenger seat.

Murphy was transported to Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, where he was pronounced dead. Ethan Murphy was reported to be in stable condition.

Murphy, 45, and his family had been returning to their home in Kansas City from a vacation, according to a statement from Sprint. "The employees of Sprint are deeply saddened on the death of Tom Murphy," the statement said.

"Cheerful and enthusiastic, he was a highly effective marketing advocate for Sprint and a beloved member of Sprint's NASCAR team."

The company said Murphy is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and sons Ethan, 11; John, 8; and Thomas, 6. He is also survived by a brother.

Murphy joined Sprint in September 1996 as director of public relations for Sprint PCS. He later became vice president of public relations for Sprint PCS, then senior vice president for corporate communications.

Following the merger of Sprint and Nextel, Murphy was named vice president for sponsorships in corporate brand marketing. He also served as chairman of the Sprint Foundation.