Heartbroken Riverhead Community Mourns Teen After Sudden Death

RIVERHEAD, NY — Hearts are broken in Riverhead as the community struggles to comprehend the sudden death of a star high school football player.

According to Riverhead Town Police Chief David Hegermiller, John Anderson, 18, was found dead around 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon at Reeves Beach of "an apparent gunshot wound."

The Suffolk County Medical Examiner, he said, will make a final determination as to the cause of the young man's death.

"At this time it does not appear to be a criminal incident," he said.

The loss is profound for the Riverhead school community, where he was a star member of the Blue Waves football team.

"There are no words that can fully encapsulate the grief that the entire Riverhead community is feeling in the face of this tragedy," Riverhead Superintendent Nancy Carney said. "We stand with the Anderson family today in sympathy and sadness."

In order to help students who are grieving, she said, "Mental health professionals from across the district are standing by to assist students and staff in coping with this tragic loss. We have also reached out for additional support from outside agencies."

Rivehead Town officials, too, are sending their condolences to the Anderson family. "My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most difficult time," Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter said.

Friends and athletes are also struggling to comprehend the tragedy. "I can't stop asking myself why. You were my first varsity football player friend," wrote Lawrence Bishop on Instagram. "I don't know why bad things happen to good people. I've never seen you with a frown on your face. . .I will never forget the things you've done for me. I love you bro. Rest in paradise."