Corey Jay Bennett, who grew up in Springs and attended East Hampton High School, died of a drug overdose on April 27 in Florence Township, N.J. He was 30, and his last known place of residence was Long Beach, Calif.
Born in Martinsburg, W.Va., on Aug. 5, 1989, Mr. Bennett was adopted in 1995 by Shelley Dawley Bennett, who survives him, and John (Jay) Bennett, who died on Sept. 25, 2016. After high school he entered the Army and served two tours in Iraq with the 1st Cavalry Division.
After his discharge he married Danielle Caridi. The couple had two daughters, Arya and Baylee, before their 2018 divorce. In addition to his ex-wife and daughters, who live in West Virginia, Mr. Bennett is survived by a sister, Courtney Bennett of Springs, and a brother, Kristofer Bennett of Tempe, Ariz.
A memorial service will be held at a future date at the Southampton Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Sarah Bigwood officiating. “Corey has been estranged from our family for years,” said his mother, “but we are his next of kin and will be providing a proper burial for him. It’s very sad that he died alone at such a young age.”
The family has suggested memorial contributions to Narcotics Anonymous World Services, P.O. Box 999, Van Nuys, Calif. 91409 or to any veterans organization.
This article has been modified from its original and print versions to correct the spelling of two names. Mr. Bennett's mother is Shelley Dawley Bennett, not Daley, and his brother is Kristofer Bennett, not Kristopher.
