CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. β The community is mourning the sudden death of 27-year-old Anthony Lee Crawford Jr.
Crawford, known by those in youth football circles as Coach Ant, was killed early Saturday morning in a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 95 in Chesterfield County, Virginia, according to police.
"As a devoted father to two young children and a loving husband, he was the heart of his family," a message about Crawford on a GoFundMe established to help his family read. "Coach Ant was also an incredible mentor to the 6U players of the Chesterfield Black Knights, inspiring and guiding young athletes with patience, kindness, and dedication."
Ben Myers, president of the Chesterfield Black Knights, said Crawford was well known and respected in the youth football community.
"I was so blessed to have him as part of this organization and I couldn't have asked for a better friend, a better coach, and better ally in these kids' lives," Myers said.
Team remembers beloved coach after sudden death: 'He loved us'
Coach Nick Singler said Crawford was more concerned with building good people than just good football players.
"He loved these kids. He was more concerned with building good people and good men that understood as long as you try your hardest, you can leave the field with your head held high," Singler said. "It hurts and I'm looking forward to next season a little less, but I know he'll be watching, and I take comfort in that."
We met some of Crawford's players, all 7 years old, who told us about their coach.
"He was a good coach; he taught us all the plays we need to know," said Peyton.
"He was very good and very kind," said Lance.
"He loved us and he told us that," said Beau.
"Whenever we made a mistake, he wouldn't get mad," said A.J.
The team is now searching for ways to honor Crawford's memory and his legacy. Singler mentioned possibly ending every practice by saying goodnight to their beloved coach, similar to a tradition from his own high school football days.
At Monday's practice, the team gathered in prayer for their coach.
Crawford was killed at about 2:24 a.m. on November 22.
Police were called to a crash on I-95 south near Route 10 (Exit 61B) where they found two vehicles stopped in the right lane.
Crawford was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the other vehicle suffered life-threatening injuries.
Police said both Crawford and the driver of other vehicle were standing outside their cars after their cars stopped in the right lane for unknown reasons. While standing on the interstate, a third driver hit them and drove off.
Police believe the driver who hit Crawford was driving a white Volkswagen, possibly an SUV.
Anyone with information was asked to call Virginia State Police at 804-750-8758 or #77 from a cell phone.
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
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