Francis Duddy, 19, Son of Mon Don Football Coach Dan Duddy, Dies in Auto Accident
Former Monsignor Donovan athlete Francis Duddy, 19, the son of Griffins football coach Dan Duddy, died in a one-car accident in Toms River early Saturday morning.
The crash occurred on Yellowbank Road in Toms River around 1:35 a.m., according to a report by the Ocean County Signal. The vehicle went through a stop sign, crossed over Vaughn Avenue, went over a curb at the end of the cul-de-sac and struck a tree. Duddy, a 2013 Monsignor Donovan graduate, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, former Monsignor Donovan football player Connor Hanifin, 18, was taken by helicopter to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune and is listed in critical condition. The crash is under investigation and no charges have been filed, according to the report.
Francis, who is one of Dan Duddy's eight children, played football for his father at Monsignor Donovan and was also a member of the wrestling and lacrosse teams. He was a running back and linebacker on the 2012 football team that won Monsignor Donovan's first division title since 1993. Duddy was also a standout lacrosse player who was an All-Class A South second-team selection and played for the Ocean County squad in last spring's Shore Conference Lacrosse Coaches' Association All-Star Game.