A devastating car crash over the weekend in Suffolk County, New York, left two people dead and four others seriously injured. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, September 21, when a 2017 Kia sedan, driven by 33-year-old Michael Desmond, allegedly ran a red light and collided with a vehicle carrying four teenagers.
According News 12 Long Island, The crash happened around 1 a.m. on Great East Neck Road in West Babylon. Bella Trezza, 17, had picked up her brother Austin, 18, and two friends from a party and was driving them home when the collision occurred.
Desmond, the driver of the Kia, was pronounced dead at the scene. Riley Goot, a West Babylon High School graduate who was in the other vehicle, was rushed to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip but tragically succumbed to his injuries, according to News of the dayThe crash also left 18-year-old Jack Murphy and 16-year-old Anthony Pagliuca with serious injuries. Both were taken to local hospitals for treatment, where they face lengthy recovery periods.
At a vigil held on Sunday, Sept. 22, Goot’s sister urged the community to remember her brother’s spirit, saying, “I just want everyone to keep saying ‘Goot,’ his nickname that everyone loved, to not give up on everyone else just because one was lost.” CBS News reported. A GoFundMe Page The memorial erected in Goot’s honour describes him as an “amazing young man, a ray of light”. His sudden loss has left the community heartbroken.
Bella Trezza, who was driving at the time of the accident, remains in critical condition. A GoFundMe page The page created by her family describes her as a high school senior and aspiring nurse. Bella is currently on life support after suffering severe brain trauma and numerous injuries. The page reveals that she lost her spleen, suffered massive blood loss, and suffered so many broken bones that doctors didn’t count them all.
“Bella’s survival outlook is not very encouraging,” the post read, “which is devastating, especially knowing that she is a bright ray of sunshine in this world.” Her brother, Austin Trezza, a recent West Babylon High School graduate and member of the West Babylon Volunteer Fire Department, is in stable condition after undergoing multiple surgeries, according to the family’s statement. GoFundMe.
Anthony Pagliuca, 16, also faces a long road to recovery, with several surgeries ahead. Fund the first one The website set up for Pagliuca says he will need extensive physical and mental rehabilitation. Jack Murphy, the fourth teenager involved, has also suffered significant injuries.
According to a GoFundMe Page Created to help him with his medical expenses, he recently underwent lengthy facial surgery to repair damage caused by the accident. As the community comes together in support of the victims’ families, they continue to mourn the lives lost and offer support to those still struggling to recover.