'A Ray Of Light': Funeral Set For Teen Killed In Babylon Car Wreck

BABYLON, NY — Hearts are broken and lives tragically changed forever after a car wreck in West Babylon cut a Babylon teen's life short and hospitalized four others with severe injuries on Saturday.

Riley Michael Goot, 18, of Babylon, was killed when the driver of a Kia sedan heading eastbound on Railroad Avenue ran a red light at the intersection of Great East Neck Road and struck a 2025 Kia Seltos containing Riley and four of his teenage friends, Suffolk police said.

Riley was pronounced dead shortly after at Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip while his four surviving friends were hospitalized at local hospitals for treatment of severe injuries, police said.

According to his obituary, Riley is the son of Stefan Erik and Colleen Goot; the brother of Sarah and Greyson Goot; the grandson of George and Eileen Wenk and Michael and Susan Goot.

He leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends to cherish his memory, the family said.

While Riley's family and friends are mourning the loss of a beloved son, big brother, friend, athlete and recent high school graduate, they're also planning his funeral and have organized a GoFundMe to help cover expenses.

Rachel Morris, who organized the GoFundMe to help Riley's parents cover a funeral during this tragic time wrote on the page:

"As a result, we lost an amazing young man, a ray of light, Riley Goot, only 18 years old, who just graduated last year.

"His family is devastated. Riley was an amazing big brother, friend, son, student, and athlete.

"Anyone who knew Riley knew how truly awesome he was, and he will be missed.

"We are starting this GoFundMe campaign to ease the financial strain on the Goot family for any funeral or wake expenses, so they can start the process of healing and recovery."

Riley's friends and family will gather to celebrate his life on Wednesday, September 25, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Claude R. Boyd-Spencer Funeral Home in Babylon.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, September 26, at 10:30 a.m. at St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Babylon.

Riley will be laid to rest at North Babylon Cemetery in North Babylon, according to his obituary.

Riley's family was not immediately available for comment.