Wading River’s own Liam Gleason, the Siena University men’s lacrosse coach, died Wednesday at Albany Medical Center, three days after suffering a severe head injury from a fall at his home. He had just turned 41 years old on Friday. Gleason was a standout lacrosse player at Shoreham-Wading River High School, where he helped lead the program to a state championship in 2002 before graduating in 2003. He went on to graduate from the University at Albany in 2007 and later built a successful coaching career. Over the past seven seasons at Siena, he guided the Saints to consistent improvement, culminating in the program’s Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship this past May.
Following news of his injury, alumni from both schools and the broader lacrosse community rallied in support of Gleason and his family. A GoFundMe page created to assist his wife, Jaclyn, and their three children had raised more than $500,000 by Wednesday evening. According to police dispatch records, Gleason fell down a staircase at his residence on Sunday. State Police and paramedics responded, and he sustained a significant head injury. CPR was administered during his transport to the hospital.
Gleason was an organ donor, and his final act of generosity moved all who witnessed it. In what is known as an “Honor Walk,” he was escorted down a hallway at Albany Medical Center on Wednesday afternoon for organ procurement. His family walked behind him, and approximately 250 people lined the hallways, including the entire Siena team wearing their jerseys and a number of UAlbany players.
Gleason’s impact on the lacrosse world, his players, and his community will be felt for years to come. His life, legacy, and generosity have left an indelible mark on all who knew him.