AVA, NEW YORK — Darrel Gray Jr., 52, the modified football coach at Adirondack Central School District, and his 17-year-old daughter Eleanor “Nora” Gray, a member of the school’s swim team, were both killed Thursday morning when their SUV crossed into the opposite lane on Route 294 in the Town of Ava and collided head-on with a fully loaded Mack tractor-trailer. They were on their way to swim practice.
The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office said the crash occurred around 7 a.m. near Gleasman Road. Gray was driving a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan eastbound when it crossed into the westbound lane and struck the 2019 Mack truck driven by Erik Rowland, 46, of Woodgate. Both Grays were pronounced dead at the scene. Rowland was airlifted to SUNY Upstate Medical Center with injuries that appeared non-life-threatening. The cause of the lane departure remains under investigation.
Darrel Gray was a 1992 Albion High School graduate who had stayed connected with classmates and former teammates over the years. He is survived by his wife Marion and their son Mitchell. The Adirondack school district, which serves about 1,000 students, will have counselors available for students and staff.
Former teammate and fellow coach Geno Allport, who graduated with Gray in 1992 and saw him regularly at coaching conferences, said Gray coached for the right reasons. “He loved the kids. He was teaching them life. It wasn’t about the wins and losses,” Allport said. “He’s always been a great guy with a great family. It’s just horrible news.”
Gray was a lifelong Seattle Seahawks fan but brought his family to Orchard Park on November 2 to see the Bills beat the Kansas City Chiefs 28-21. Allport was there too and reconnected with the entire Gray family at the game.
In the wake of the loss, Marion Gray is asking the Albion community and anyone whose life was touched by Darrel or Nora to send memories, stories, and special moments to CoachandNora@gmail.com. She plans to print the messages and create a book for herself and Mitchell to turn to in difficult times. Anyone writing in is asked to include who they are and how they knew Darrel or Nora.
Interviews courtesy of local media.
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