SHARE

GoFundMe Launched For Brookfield High Grad Killed By Drunken Driver

BROOKFIELD, Conn. — Family and friends are mourning the death of Robby Schartner, a 2013 graduate of Brookfield High who was hit and killed by a suspected drunken driver as he was walking back to Manhattanville College at 5 a.m. Sunday.

Robby Schartner, a student at Manhattanville College, was killed by a drunken driver on Sunday.

Robby Schartner, a student at Manhattanville College, was killed by a drunken driver on Sunday.

Photo Credit: GoFundMe screenshot
Robby Schartner, a student at Manhattanville College, was killed by a drunken driver early Sunday.

Robby Schartner, a student at Manhattanville College, was killed by a drunken driver early Sunday.

Photo Credit: Manhattanville College

A GoFundMe page was started to help the family with funeral expenses for Schartner. To date, more than $12,000 has been raised.

"We are beyond shattered at the news of our youngest brother's life being taken by a drunk driver last night," Schartner's brother and sisters said on the page. "He was studying marketing at Manhattanville College in N.Y., a dedicated college lacrosse player and a brother, a son, a grandchild, an uncle and a friend to all who knew him. This loss is pure devastation to our family and his friends as we prepare to say our unexpected final goodbyes. We appreciate all of the love, support and outreach."

Schartner, 21, was pronounced dead at the scene after he was hit by a 2012 Nissan Sentra driven by 24-year-old Emma Fox of Rye, N.Y., at Westchester Avenue and Anderson Hill Road in White Plains, N.Y. Fox has been charged with first-degree vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated. She was held at the Westchester County jail on $100,000 bail.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Manhattanville College Chapel at 2900 Purchase St. in Purchase, N.Y. Burial will be at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery at 10 W. Stevens Ave. in Hawthorne, N.Y. Arrangements were handled by Graham Funeral Home at 1036 Boston Post Road in Rye, N.Y.

Schartner, a junior, was entering his third season as a member of the Manhattanville men's lacrosse team.

"In his three years as a men's lacrosse player Robert earned his spot on the team the hard way. It was not easy for him, but the sacrifices he made inspired the team and epitomized what it means to be a scholar-athlete at Manhattanville," college President Michael Geisler said in an email to students, faculty and staff. 

"The level of Robert's commitment to his team could never come into question; whatever he was asked to do, he did with a smile on his face. That was his understanding of what it means to be a true teammate. He loved the sport of lacrosse, he loved his teammates and he loved being a Manhattanville lacrosse player. … We are all in shock and we extend our prayers and condolences to his family members and friends."

A number of tributes were posted to Schartner were posted on the GoFundMe page. 

"I am so sorry for your tragic loss; I had the privilege of being Robbie's professor at Manhattanville," said Kristie Lynch. "Sending my deepest condolences to your family."

"A Brother on the field is a Brother for life. Keeping your family in our thoughts," said Jeffrey Quell.

"Robby lit up the room with his smile and made everyone feel special. He had a contagious laugh," said Audrey Powell.

"Robby was a great classmate and an amazing friend to everyone in the Manhattanville Community," Casandra Maher said.

"Robby will be missed by all of us here at Manhattanville College," Christian Flores. "Robby has been a great friend, roommate and teammate. Our hearts couldn't be heavier today. Much love to your family from his lacrosse family here at Manhattanville."

Fox, who tested at twice the legal limit for blood alcohol content, hit the college student and drove for several blocks before she stopped and called 911, police said.

to follow Daily Voice Brookfield and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE