Hearts are heavy across the William Floyd School District, as they confirmed the tragic loss of their much-beloved boys’ varsity assistant basketball coach, Darrell Sumpter, in a car crash on Sunrise Highway. Coach Sumpter was pronounced dead at the scene.
Coach Sumpter lived in Shirley and was “a proud William Floyd graduate, a longtime community member, a family man, and a highly-regarded coach and mentor for our boys’ and girls’ basketball programs. He served as an assistant basketball coach on the boys’ varsity team since 2015, and as a volunteer for the youth of the community for many years before that,” said the William Floyd School District on their website..
Social media is filled with outpourings of sadness and expressions of love and respect for Coach Sumpter. Coach is clearly a much-loved man who touched the lives of many in inspirational ways. In February, for an article in The Messenger Papers, Coach was asked what a personal goal of his was and, in a prescient remark, said, “To have a thousand people at my funeral whose lives I had an impact on. That’s the mark of a great man, in my opinion.”
So many people are coming forward with stories of how Coach Sumpter affected them or their kids that there is no doubt that Coach Sumpter met his goal of being a “great man.” His reach was broad and deep.
“My heart is heavy for my community this morning who have experienced a tragic, sudden, and devastating loss. I'm personally reminded once again how fragile this temporary life is and that within a second it can change forever,” said William Floyd graduate, PJ Balzer.
“He was instrumental in the creation of the WFSD youth basketball program and booster club that has made a difference in the lives of so many boys’ and girls’ student-athletes within our community,” the District said.
Classmate and friend Rachel Hargrove said, “You were everyone’s friend because you were never anyone’s enemy. This is not only a huge loss to us who were graced with your presence but the whole William Floyd community.”
Supervisor Dan Panico, Town of Brookhaven, wrote in tribute, “Rest in Peace Coach Sumpter. Although I did not know him well, I am told by those who did that he was beloved. Atop being a phenomenal basketball coach, he was a great role model for so many young lives who needed just that. May his family find peace and may he be remembered for the positive impact he had on so many in the community.”
The Shirley Drive In weighed in saying, “My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Darrell Sumpter the young man killed in the crash in Shirley. He was also an old friend of mine as well you will be missed!”
Coworker and friend, Ben Cohen, said “Darrell is a hard worker, great father, great basketball coach, great coworker. Darrell is loved by many and will be deeply missed. This is very sad. Rest easy my friend, it's always been a pleasure working with you.”
Bob Vecchio, Executive Director of the Nassau Suffolk School Boards Association, said “Prayers go out to the entire Floyd family tonight. Mr. Darrell Sumpter cared deeply and passionately about kids a bright light taken way too soon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and we pray for peace and strength for his loved ones during this difficult time.
“Definitely a mentor to all three of my sons. You will be missed, you were a great man,” said Shanelle Brown.
“My heart is heavy thinking about a childhood friend! RIP Darrell! Sitting here reading all of the lives he touched!” said Christine Vettek-Morales.
Kalyn Thomas Strickland, Sr. said “Everything you did for me when I was a kid will never be forgotten. You took me in at 17 and showed me what a father was, you will be missed.”
“The basketball community lost a great (brother) today. May you coach in the sky like you did on earth the countless lives you affected will miss your presence, said Marcel Seymore.
Joseph Schweigert said, “I will always be grateful for your kindness towards my family and me. Your passing is a tremendous loss to our community, as you were a man with a heart of gold.”
“I am speechless and heartbroken. I was at the hospital the night the 1st Sumpter baby was being born! I remember Sue and Darrell ready to give birth and start their life! Darrell was a young man, still maybe a teen, the life they built from that day forward is incredible! I always told my kids their story over the years! Darrell, Mr. Sumpter was an upstanding citizen of our community, a great leader to our youth, and an exceptional role model!” said Andrea Thomas McAlonen.