Teacher Killed In Hit-And-Run Remembered As 'Wonderful Man'

KINGS PARK, NY - The Kings Park community is mourning the loss of a popular middle school teacher and coach after he was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Sunday.

According to Suffolk Police, 37-year-old Michael McDermott was jogging in St. James on the shoulder of the southbound lane of Lake Avenue, north of Oak Street, when he was struck by a southbound 2014 Nissan sedan at 12:21 p.m.

The Smithtown resident was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, 32-year-old Keith Clancy, fled the scene and was later arrested in Manorville, police said.

McDermott worked as a physical education teacher and JV baseball coach at William T. Rogers Middle School for the past 14 years.

Following his death, Superintendent Timothy T. Eagen released the following statement on the Kings Park School District website:

Mr. McDermott was a wonderful man, talented teacher/coach, and beloved member of our staff, and this news will be shocking to all that knew him. The district is in the process of reaching out to mental health staff to provide support for both students and staff. We will have a support center available Monday afternoon, starting at 1 p.m. in the Library at Kings Park High School, for staff and students in need of assistance.

A statement on the middle school website stated that McDermott "touched many lives with his enthusiasm, kindness, and wonderful sense of humor."

"He was a dedicated JV baseball and middle school boys’ soccer coach, who inspired those around him," the statement reads. "Our hearts are broken after the tremendous loss of this truly dedicated educator, professional, husband, and father. Our thoughts are with the McDermott family at this time."

On Monday, former players and parents will be gathering at the Kings Park JV baseball field to share memories starting at 3:30 p.m. The memorial will end with a candlelight vigil beginning at 8 p.m.

In addition, Port Jefferson resident Tom Edmundson started a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to help raise money for the McDermott family.

"Mike was an amazing father, husband, teacher, coach, friend and mentor to so many people," McDermott wrote. "His wife and three beautiful young children need all of our support during this unbearable time."

The goal of the page is to raise $30,000. In just a few hours, the page has already raised $9,490.

To read more or to donate, visit the GoFundMe page here.