Optimum News 12 Newsday.com MSG Varsity Explore LI AM New York Optimum Autos Optimum Homes

Debbie Pearsall, former Newsday intern, 21

Debbie Pearsall, a former Newsday.com sports intern and

Photo credit: Handout | Debbie Pearsall, a former Newsday.com sports intern and a senior at Lehigh University, died of two pulmonary embolisms. She was 21.

When Oceanside High School refurbished its football field with lights for nighttime play but limited it to boys' sports, Debbie Pearsall stepped in and took action, her family said.

She lobbied school officials to let girls use it as well, and before long she was organizing the all-girls Powder Puff touch-football game between juniors and seniors to benefit breast cancer.

"She was a...

Content Preview This content is exclusive for Newsday digital access and 7-day home delivery subscribers and Optimum Online® customers.

Already
registered?
Log in
Already a
subscriber/customer?
Register
Subscribe for
a free trial!
Subscribe

Newsday reporters on Twitter

Follow Newsday on Twitter