Schools, family, friends remember Mattituck senior Gavyn Drago

The entire North Fork community is in mourning after Mattituck High School senior Gavyn Drago died on Sept. 4 after being found unresponsive in a home swimming pool, just days into the school year.

“My son Gavyn Avery Drago. He was the purest, best person I’ve ever known,” Gavyn’s father Bryan said on Facebook Sunday. “He was my only child and was my best friend. I wanted to be his parent, and I was, but he was so emotionally advanced that it was difficult to be his parent and not be his friend.”

Southold Town police and Mattituck firefighters were called to the home on Bennetts Pond Lane just before 1 p.m. The 17-year-old had already been pulled from the pool when first responders arrived and was not breathing, police said.

Crews immediately tried to revive him, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

In his Facebook post, Gavyn’s father also said he dealt with epilepsy.

Main Road Biscuit Co. in Jamesport, owned by Gavyn’s mother, Marissa, posted on Monday, saying the shop would be closed for the week. A small sunflower display with candles was placed outside the business.

“This week, we will pause, reflect, and rest alongside him,” the post reads. “Gavyn touched the lives of so many of us with his kindness, warmth, and spirit. He will forever be a part of our family and in our hearts. Thank you for your understanding as we take this time to honor Gavyn and remember the beautiful person he was.”

The family held visitation Sunday at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck, and funeral services were held Monday at North Fork Reform Synagogue in Cutchogue. The family sat shiva in Mattituck on Monday and Tuesday.

Gavyn was involved in the community in several ways, including running track and cross country at Mattituck. Track coach Jordan McGinn spent three winters and three springs coaching Gavyn, who ran the one- and two-mile events.

He also ran at many events such as the Turkey Trot, Brooklyn half marathon, and several runs to raise money for epilepsy, something he was passionate about.

“I got to see him grow not just as an athlete, but as a person. He was truly a one-of-a-kind type of kid,” Mr. McGinn said. “He made an impact on everybody, and he had an infectious personality that kept the energy and the vibes good on the team. It’s truly something that can’t be replaced, and my heart breaks for his friends, his family, and everybody who had the opportunity to get to know him.”

The cross country team, along with Gavyn’s close friends, ran from Mattituck High School to the Drago family’s home to present them with a signed jersey and picture after the news broke.

Gavyn also spent this past summer interning for Suffolk County Legislator Greg Doroski.

Mr. Doroski said Gavyn conducted a lot of research for him, attended meetings, and helped with speechwriting, making a “significant contribution” every day.

“It was a real blessing to know him and work with him, and even though he was young, he had real emotional maturity and a sense of confidence,” Mr. Doroski said. “He served as that kind of beacon, and he’s continuing to do that now. Everyone’s going to miss him.”

North Fork school districts, friends, family, businesses and strangers followed suit on social media, recapping memories with Gavyn and sending condolences.

“The Mattituck-Cutchogue community is in mourning over the tragic loss of high school senior Gavyn Drago,” the Mattituck-Cutchogue School District said in a Facebook post Sunday. “Our thoughts are with Gavyn’s family, his friends, and his classmates.”

The high school library will be a designated support space throughout the week for any student or staff member who may need help. Additional spaces will also be available for those who may need a more private setting.

If any parents have concerns about their child or any other students, the district is advising them to reach out to their child’s guidance counselor or school administration.

“We are here to support one another, and we will continue to do so throughout the week,” Principal Patrick Burke said in an email to the community Tuesday.

The Mattituck Junior-Senior High School Athletic Booster Club also remembered Gavyn Sunday as “a friend, classmate, teammate.” The school’s music department posted a past performance of Oseh Shalom in honor of Gavyn as well.

Greenport School District community also posted Sunday, saying, “Our thoughts are with Gavyn’s family, classmates, teachers, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.”

Party Animal North Fork, a local business, also posted a tribute Sunday, describing Gavyn’s parents as “so much a part of the fabric of our community” as business owners, friends and neighbors.