Mourning a Sag Harbor Coach's Death

A Sag Harbor coach and substitute teacher died on Monday from a suspected drug overdose in Bridgehampton, Southampton Town police said Wednesday.

Michael Semkus, 28, an elite athlete, was one of the Pierson High School soccer coaches and worked as a substitute teacher in the Sag Harbor School District. Police have not said which drug is suspected in the overdose or where Mr. Semkus was at the time of his death.

Mr. Semkus participated in many community sporting events, among them the Katy's Courage races in Sag Harbor.

In a letter to the community on Tuesday following Mr. Semkus's death, the Sag Harbor School District said he will be remembered for his kind and generous spirit.

"We are truly saddened by the sudden passing of Michael Semkus, a Pierson alum, member of the coaching staff for our boys soccer team, and substitute teacher," Katy Graves, Sag Harbor's superintendent, said in a separate statement on Tuesday. "The board of education and administration extend our sincerest thoughts and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time."

The district said that while teachers and staff would stick to a regular schedule at school, counselors will be available to students who need help coping with grief. "Sag Harbor is a strong and close-knit community that stands together during difficult times," the district said in its letter. "Listening, understanding, and supporting our school family and the Semkus family are our priority."

Services will be held soon at Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in Sag Harbor, but specific dates and times have not yet been announced.