Tyler Buckley, 22

Tyler Robert Buckley, who was 22 years old, died at Southampton Hospital on Sunday evening after being found  without breath in his mother’s, Susan Buckley’s, house on Crystal Drive in East Hampton. He had been sick for several months, and his family believes he was suffering from pneumonia when he went to sleep and did not wake up. The cause of death is being investigated, but police said no foul play is suspected.

Mr. Buckley was poised to finish a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Long Island University’s C.W. Post Campus this spring. He had wanted to follow in the footsteps of a grandfather, a retired Chicago police officer, his family said. He also had empathy for animals and dreamed of working for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals  or a similar organization. He adored his dog, Darla, according to his older sister, Brittany Buckley. “He was one of the best people I ever met,” Ms. Buckley said, calling him a best friend who always came to her aid.

He was born in Chicago on Jan. 30, 1992. When he was just 5 months old, his mother brought him and his sister to East Hampton to start a new life. Their grandparents, Robert Buckley and the late Viola Buckley, helped raise them. He attended the John M. Marshall Elementary School, East Hampton Middle School, and, in 2010, graduated from East Hampton High School. His family said he was a very good student and a star on its playoff-caliber football team in 2009. Some called him “T-Buck” in school, where he was known for a positive spirit and sense of humor.

He was also described as a compassionate young man who was “a social butterfly,” going out of his way to give people a kind word or make them feel comfortable.  “People called him a legend of our town,” his sister said.  “He would be the type that would always look out for the underdog. He had a really big heart.” 

In addition to his mother, sister, and grandfather, he is survived by two uncles, Patrick Buckley of Chicago and Michael Buckley of Florida.

Mr. Buckley was to be cremated. Visiting hours will be at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton on Saturday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A memorial service is being planned.

Donations are being accepted to help with family expenses. Checks can be sent to Susan Buckley, 68 Crystal Drive, East Hampton 11937, or through a Fundly.com fund-raising page in his name by searching “Tyler Buckley Family Support.”