Jennie Runevitch/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis - A former high school basketball player was honored Friday night, for her legacy on and off the court.
Heather Norris died last year, the victim of domestic homicide. But during a halftime ceremony during Perry Meridian's game Friday, family and friends made sure Heather's name lives on.
On the sidelines, Heather Norris was there.
"Every time I walk in the gym, I always think about her," said Howard Ely, assistant girls' basketball coach at Perry Meridian.
On the court, her presence was palpable.
"She was fearless and that's one of the things I loved about her," said Ely.
And in their hearts, the former Falcon will never be forgotten.
"I miss her with every breath I take. Nothing in my life is ever going to be the same," said Heather's mom, Debbie.
Heather spent a lot of time in the Perry gym, she played a lot of games there. It's that skill, that spirit, people remembered about her life Friday night. Not the tragic, brutal way in which she died.
At age 20, Heather became a victim of domestic violence. Investigators say her boyfriend, Joshua Bean, told police he stabbed Heather, set her on fire, then scattered her dismembered body in dumpsters across the south side of the city.
In hopes of preventing another tragedy, her parents, friends and coaches have become Heather's voice, educating teens about domestic abuse. At the game Friday, people wore purple ribbons to support the cause, and the team wore purple laces on their shoes to remember Heather.
"I can't tell them how much this means to us and how much we appreciate the fact that they embrace Heather the way they do," said Debbie Norris.
In a special ceremony they embraced her again. Heather's parents were presented with her jersey, number 24. It was a moment that brought tears for their loss, but also cheers for their memories. After the dedication, the crowd rose to a standing ovation for a star athlete who Friday night, graced the court once more.
"I love her and I miss her," her mother said. "And someday I will see her again."
Another Perry basketball player now wears Heather's number, but once she graduates, that jersey will be retired. This spring, a scholarship will be awarded to a female athlete in Heather's honor.
Contributions can be made to the Heather Norris Memorial Scholarship Fund at the FORUM Credit Unions at 8935 U.S. 31 South and 5210 East Southport Road. Her family has also created a website to raise awareness about domestic violence.
