The William Floyd School District has announced the passing of boys' varsity assistant basketball coach Darrell Sumpter. Coach Sumpter died in a motor vehicle accident on Sunrise Highway on Friday afternoon.
Darrell Sumpter, a William Floyd graduate, was a respected community member and family man. He had been an assistant basketball coach for the boys' varsity team since 2015 and volunteered for youth programs in the community for many years. He played a key role in establishing the WFSD youth basketball program and booster club, impacting many student-athletes.
Following his passing, colleagues, fellow coaches, and social workers informed the boys' and girls' teams about this tragic event. Grief and crisis counselors are available to students needing support. The school community is reaching out to the Sumpter family to offer assistance during this difficult time.
A tribute titled "The Muscle Behind the Hustle" by P.J. Balzer was published in the Messenger Papers on February 1, 2024, honoring Coach Darrell's dedication to youth mentoring.
In light of these events, the William Floyd Boys’ Basketball Booster Club youth basketball activities have been canceled for Saturday, December 14. Additionally, both varsity and junior varsity basketball games scheduled for that day have been postponed.