East Donegal Township, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Joey Williams, a 17-year-old senior at Donegal High School, died in a single-vehicle crash in East Donegal Township. He was a beloved basketball player, and the community is mourning his loss. Support resources are being provided to students while a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $15,000 for his funeral expenses. A remembrance event was held to honor him.
Marietta, PA – Joey Williams, a 17-year-old senior at Donegal High School, tragically died in a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning. The collision took place along Landis Road in East Donegal Township, Lancaster County, with authorities pronouncing Williams dead just after 3 a.m. on Sunday.
According to the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office, Williams was from Marietta and was one of two individuals involved in the vehicle during the rollover crash. The coroner ruled the cause of death as multiple traumatic injuries and classified the incident as an accident.
Williams was a prominent member of the Donegal boys’ basketball team, where he averaged 11.8 points per game during his junior season. The basketball team confirmed his passing in a post on X, expressing their grief and honoring his memory. The post conveyed the team’s deep sorrow over the loss of their teammate and friend, Joey Williams.
Donegal School District Superintendent Greg Kiehl sent a letter to parents regarding Williams’ death, providing information on support resources available for students. Teams from the district and the IU13 Crisis Team are working closely with high school staff to assist students coping with the loss. As a result, counselors and other support staff members have been made available at the school.
In addition, Joey Williams was involved in the accident with another student, Kenny Sumpman, who is currently in critical condition at a local hospital. In response to this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to help cover Williams’ funeral expenses, and as of Monday morning, it has successfully raised over $15,000.
On Sunday night, a remembrance event took place at Donegal Athletic Stadium to honor Joey Williams, bringing the community together to celebrate his life and achievements.
Background on Joey Williams
Joey Williams was not only an accomplished basketball player but also a cherished member of the Donegal High School community. His leadership on the team and positive impact on his peers will be remembered long after this devastating loss.
Crisis Support Measures
The Donegal School District, in light of this tragedy, has recognized the need for immediate emotional support. Counselors from the school and external crisis support teams have been mobilized to assist students and staff as they navigate this profound grief.
Community Response
The GoFundMe campaign established for Joey Williams’ funeral expenses underscores the community’s support and the outpouring of love following this tragic event. Community members are coming together to help during this difficult time, reflecting the deeply rooted connections within Marietta and the surrounding areas.
Summary of Events
- Incident: Single-vehicle crash resulting in death of Joey Williams.
- Date of Incident: Early morning on Sunday.
- Location: Landis Road, East Donegal Township, Lancaster County.
- Fatalities: 1 (Joey Williams); 1 critically injured (Kenny Sumpman).
- Response: Crisis support available at Donegal High School; GoFundMe campaign raised over $15,000.
- Remembrance Event: Held at Donegal Athletic Stadium on Sunday night.
Future Actions
Support services will continue to be available for students at Donegal High School as they grapple with this loss. Meanwhile, the community remains united in remembrance of Joey Williams, whose life touched many.
FAQ
- Who was Joey Williams?
Joey Williams was a 17-year-old senior at Donegal High School and a member of the boys’ basketball team. - How did Joey Williams die?
Joey Williams died in a single-vehicle crash that occurred in East Donegal Township, Lancaster County. - What was the cause of death?
The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office ruled the cause of death as multiple traumatic injuries and declared it an accident. - What support is being provided to students?
The Donegal School District is providing support resources, including counselors, to help students cope with the loss. - What happened to Kenny Sumpman?
Kenny Sumpman, who was also in the vehicle, is currently in critical condition. - Is there a fundraiser for Joey Williams?
Yes, a GoFundMe campaign has been started to help cover Joey Williams’ funeral expenses. - What event was held in his memory?
A remembrance event was held at Donegal Athletic Stadium on Sunday night to honor Joey Williams.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Single-vehicle crash |
| Time of Incident | Early morning on Sunday |
| Location | Landis Road, East Donegal Township, Lancaster County |
| Fatalities | 1 (Joey Williams), 1 critically injured (Kenny Sumpman) |
| Community Support | GoFundMe campaign raised over $15,000 |
| Remembrance Event | Donegal Athletic Stadium on Sunday night |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fox43 News
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- Lancaster Online
- Google Search: Donegal High School basketball player Joey Williams
- PennLive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Palo Alto Daily Post
- Google News: Joey Williams Donegal High School
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