William Davis Hammitt

HAMMITT, William Davis, passed away on April 11, 2023, a week before his 18th birthday, in an automobile accident that also took the life of his best friend, Nicholas David Booth.

Will is survived by his parents, Craig and Rebekah Hammitt; his little brother, Cooper; and his rescue dogs, Sam and Lucy. He is also survived by his grandparents, Charles and Merelyn Hammett; grandmother, Barbara Hammitt; grandfather, Craig Hammitt Jr.; his aunt and uncle, Sherelyn Hammett and Scott Reisenweaver; his aunt and uncle, Nick Hammitt and Jennifer Villani; and his cousin, Jackson Hammitt; along with extended family and close family friends who all loved him very much.

Will had such compassion for other people. At an early age, he would always console the new kid, hug a friend who was having a bad day or help the opponent who had just gotten hurt (even while his team continued to play the game!). He had the biggest heart you could ever imagine. Last summer he took a job as a camp counselor at ACAC Midlothian, working with rising fifth graders. The pride with which he spoke about his kids melted our hearts - he was so dedicated to making sure each of them were not only okay during camp, but okay in life. He would have been an amazing teacher and coach.

He also had the ability to talk to anyone and everyone. Our friends and new acquaintances alike would always comment on his maturity and interest during conversations where many teenagers would zone out or not even participate. Unusual for someone his age, he truly loved to talk to adults, hear about their experiences and share his own.

Will tried many sports but midway through high school, dropped the others to focus on lacrosse. He picked up the sport later in his life so he didn't have the longstanding relationships that some of the other players did, having played together since they were young kids, but that didn't stop him from quickly becoming a part of the tight-knit lacrosse community here in Richmond. He worked with many coaches and played with many kids from across different schools and building those relationships was part of what he loved about the game. But his JRHS Rapids lacrosse team was his home and playing with those boys was where he was happiest.

Will was also blessed to have an amazing group of friends with amazing parents. Whether at work, fishing, or playing poker, he loved to hang out with his guys. He was constantly surrounded by love and support and we have felt all of this and more since his passing.

A Celebration of Life for Will and Nick will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 21 at the ACAC Midlothian turf field. We ask that you wear something that reminds you of the boys. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Richmond Animal League (ral.org) in Will's memory.