Legacy Of LI Coach, Killed In Tragic Crash, Honored At Team's 1st Game Without Him

SHIRLEY, NY — An electronic scoreboard graphic honoring the memory of Darrell Sumpter, who was killed in a tragic rollover crash last week, was displayed on Tuesday night in front of a packed gymnasium, marking his legacy at one of his team's first games without his guidance, William Floyd School District officials said.

The impromptu memorial began with the William Floyd Colonials boys' varsity basketball team and supporters gathering mid-court for the national anthem, then before the tip-off, game announcer Michael Feldstein read the biography of Sumpter, who was affectionately known as "Coach D."

It was followed by a moment of silence in his honor.

Sumpter was an assistant coach for the boys' and girls' varsity teams at William Floyd High School and was instrumental in the creation of the youth basketball program and booster club in the district.

Sumpter's family were seated behind the Floyd bench "to show their love and support for the beloved basketball program that meant so much to Darrell and continues to mean so much to his family," school district officials said.

After paying tribute to Sumpter, the Colonials directed their emotion "into a thrilling game" against their League I rivals, Longwood High School, and bested the team 66-57.

"This hard-fought victory was a perfect way to honor the life and legacy of 'Coach D' in a season the Colonials have now dedicated to him," district officials said. "They’ll be working hard each day to continue keeping this program as one of the best in Suffolk County."

Sumpter was driving a 2002 Cadillac westbound in the left lane of Sunrise Highway, just east of Horseblock Road, when it swerved and struck a 2021 Ford utility truck traveling in the right lane, and vehicles left the roadway and overturned, killing him and injuring two other people on Dec. 13, Suffolk police said.

Sumpter, of Shirley, was 51.

In a GoFundMe for his family, his daughter, Dejiah Sumpter, said that he made the world go round for a lot of people and "gave his all."

"We are completely heartbroken," she said.

The page has raised $62, 454.

Some mourners offered heartfelt words to Sumpter's family.

In one post, a colleague called him "an amazing coworker" that they were "lucky to work with."

"His perseverance, positivity, and goodwill to others will stay with me. He is missed already," they wrote.

Another person said that there were "no words to express how sad we are to hear of the passing of your dad."

"He was a great man and a mentor to my son," she said. "He will be missed! Our sincere condolences to you and your family."

District officials said that funeral services have been finalized with Robertaccio Funeral Home in Center Moriches for Friday from 2 to 4 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There will be no burial, only a private crematory service.