Bronx community mourns death of beloved football coach

THE BRONX (PIX 11) — The Bronx community is mourning the loss of a beloved football coach after he was struck by a car in Baychester nearly a week ago.

With a heartfelt balloon release and the glow of candles flickering in the night, the Bronx community gathered Friday to honor the life and legacy of Dwight Downer — a beloved football coach whose sudden death has left many in shock and mourning. A candlelight vigil was held at Williamsbridge Oval Football Field. 

Keith Spivey worked alongside Downer for years with the youth football team Bronx Buccaneers. 

“He was a mentor,” Spivey said. “He was a person that was selfless and would do anything for anybody at the drop of a dime.” He added, “Sometimes when I’m alone and I think about some of the things that he did, I start to tear up and I got to catch myself.”

Downer, who was known for shaping young lives through sports, was killed in a tragic car accident near his home. Police say it was Saturday near Eastchester Road and Givan Avenue when the driver of a BMW crashed into a pickup truck and two parked cars before striking the 60-year-old. 

Ronald Knight plays football at DeWitt Clinton High School and said Coach D gave him confidence when no one else did. 

“He allowed me to be a speaker,” Knight said. “Allowed me to know the power of my voice and be able to speak up to those around me.”

Dozens of students, friends, and family members embraced each other sharing stories about Downer’s unwavering dedication to the community he served. 

Downer’s stepdaughter Shatiallah Adell said he offered guidance and support to all who knew him. 

“Me, firsthand, being able to see him in his compassionate side with my mom, you know, with my daughters, with my nieces and nephews. It’s like a really big loss. You see all these people out here. Some of these kids didn’t have dads. Some of these people don’t have somebody like a father figure. Coach D definitely was that,” said Adell. 

The vigil ended with a moment of prayer as those in attendance vowed to carry on his legacy. As for the Bronx Buccaneers, they said no one else can truly fill the void Coach D has left on the team. 

“You can replace a person, but there’s no replacing coach D,” said Dennis O’Neal, owner of Bronx Buccaneers. 

Coach Downer’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign which has already raised more than $10,000 to cover funeral expenses as they plan to honor his remarkable legacy.