Huge ‘Wave’ of community support for beloved ex-coach in the grip of tragedy

Digger’s was packed last night with community members who turned out to support Riverhead teacher Tony Lawrence and his family as they try to cope with the tragedy of the Feb. 15 double murder of Lawrence’s 17-year-old daughter and his ex-wife in their Wading River home.

Lawrence’s former students and members of the boys lacrosse teams he coached at the high school for eight seasons have rallied to support their much-beloved coach since the tragedy.

Former team manager Kelsey Stark organized last night’s fundraiser and worked the event as guest bartender, collecting tips and donations for the Lawrence Family Support Fund established by former lacrosse team members. A fundraising page set up by former team member Kevin Tuthill on the GoFundMe website has to date raised nearly $29,000.

The coach’s former students wanted to help defray funeral expenses for the family, Tuthill said.

Lawrence, who now teaches physical education at Phillips Avenue Elementary School, attended last night’s event with his younger daughter Brandy. She managed to escape from the family’s 12th Street, Wading River home on the night of the shootings, after calling 911. The gunman, described by police as the boyfriend of Tanya Lawrence, 43, turned his gun on himself after shooting her mother and sister.

Lawrence said he and his family are overwhelmed by the outpouring of community support since the tragedy.

You could feel the love in the already-packed room when Lawrence entered Digger’s last night and was immediately surrounded by his former students.

“Coach Lawrence made a big difference in my life and in the lives of all the boys on the team,” said Riverhead High School grad Miguel Maysonet. “He was always there for us, to give us support and advice.”

Lawrence started the lacrosse program in Riverhead.

“Without him, most of us never would have had a chance to play lacrosse,” Maysonet said.

Maysonet was a Blue Waves football star, who rushed for 5,963 yards, scored 74 touchdowns and a total of 468 points during his high school career. The Hanson-award winner went on to set records for the Stony Brook University Seawolves and has played in the NFL. He was also a Blue Waves lacrosse player for Lawrence.

“He had a big impact on all of us,” Maysonet said.

Former team manager Kelsey Stark said she was overwhelmed by the turnout last night. She said she feels lucky to be part of a community like Riverhead, where people have such a generous spirit.

RiverheadLOCAL photos by Peter Blasl, who contributed reporting for this story.