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Smithtown resident Michael McDermott, 37, who taught at Kings Park High School, was jogging in the southbound shoulder of Lake Avenue, north of Oak Street when he was struck by a Nissan at approximately 12:20 p.m. on July 14, police said.
The driver, Keith Clancy, 32, was tracked down on the Long Island Expressway near exit 69 in Manorville after fleeing the scene.
On Wednesday, Aug. 7, Clancy pleaded not guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and nine other charges in connection to the hit-and-run.
Clancy, who has previous convictions for driving while intoxicated, was allegedly high on fentanyl at the time of the crash, investigators said. He was driving erratically when he crossed into the shoulder and struck McDermott, sending him flying through the air.
Suffolk County District Attorney Tim Sini said that McDermott was thrown approximately 100 feet from the point of impact. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time of his arrest, Clancy had fentanyl in his car, as well as suboxone, police said, rolled up in the back seat.
Following his plea, Clancy is currently being held in lieu of $250,000 cash bail or $500,000 bond.
McDermott taught physical education and coached junior varsity baseball at Kings Park. A GoFundMe fundraiser was organized on behalf of his family, which raised more than $192,000 on behalf of the popular coach.
Kings Park Central School District Superintendent Timothy T. Egan said 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."
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