Thursday, March 27, 2025
The friends and family of William Desroches, a 15-year-old Wantagh High School student who died in a watercraft accident in 2023, are working to establish a soccer and lacrosse field in his honor.
At a Jan. 25 kickoff event at Forest Lake Elementary School, his father, Donald Desroches, announced the launch of the William Desroches Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to raising funds for a new turf field for soccer and lacrosse next to the school's baseball field.
The foundation’s first fundraiser is set for May 8 at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh. The event, which kicks off at 6 p.m., will feature live music by the band Vinyl Revival, auctions, and a raffle to support the project. Assisting with the fundraiser is John Theissen, founder and executive director of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit that aids sick and underprivileged children.
Desroches said William played on the field at Forest Lake, inspiring him to approach the Wantagh School District about naming a new turf field in his memory. He has received approval from the superintendent and school board to raise funds for the project.
“The fact that I’ll be able to have something here in his memory that will last for a while is really amazing to me,” Desroches said.
Coordinating volunteer efforts for the Mulcahy’s fundraiser is Mikayla Desroches, William’s 17-year-old cousin. She’s recruiting volunteers and helping to reach out to businesses for sponsorships and donations for raffle baskets. She said it means a lot to her watching everyone get involved in the project.
“William was my first friend,” Mikayla said, “and it means a lot that something is going to be in his name.”
William died on Aug. 6, 2023, when he and another teenager were riding personal watercraft on Crescent Lake in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. At some point, New Hampshire police said, one of the riders slowed down, and the other collided with him from behind. Desroches was rushed to a hospital, where he died. The other teen was not hurt.
William’s father and his mother, Kathryn Walsh, described their son as fiercely determined. When he set his mind on a task, William wouldn’t stop until he achieved it, his parents said. That drive led him to excel at numerous outdoor activities, including soccer and lacrosse.
“William used to love soccer and lacrosse,” his father said. “He loved playing, he was a great athlete and a hard worker.”
According to Desroches, his son always showed generosity toward those close to him, and would help family members when they weren’t feeling good about themselves.
“He always tried to help people,” Desroches said. “He used to always bring humor where he was.”
Joining Desroches and his family at Forest Lake were Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Schneider, Town Clerk Kate Murray, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips and State Sen. Steve Rhoads, who thanked Desroches for organizing the project.
“As a community, we were all heartbroken when we lost William,” Rhoads said, “but I’m always continuously amazed. In the face of an incredible tragedy, (family members) have tried to use that loss as an opportunity to do something positive for future generations. It’s really inspirational.”
The fundraising goal for the turf field, according to Desroches, will be around $1 million, estimating it would take “a year or two” to raise the money. He hopes to plan more fundraising events after the first one in May, such as a run/walk event at Jones Beach.
Raising money for the turf field will be a challenge, Desroches said, but friends and family are determined to create a lasting legacy for William that will benefit future generations.
“It’s a great thing to be able to give back,” Desroches said. “And it’ll be an honor to have my son’s name on the field.”
For more information on the William Desroches Foundation, visit williamdf.org.
