Riley Smith Death, Obituary, Motorcycle Accident – On September 24th, 2024, the Smith family was hit with unimaginable loss when Riley Smith, a 17-year-old high school student, succumbed to injuries sustained in a horrific motorcycle accident. In response, two close family friends, Nikki Nowers and Erin Gappmayer, have organized a GoFundMe campaign to support Riley’s grieving family during this heartbreaking time.
The fundraiser’s description paints a vivid and emotional picture of the events that unfolded after the accident. On the evening of the crash, Riley was involved in a devastating collision between his motorcycle and a motor vehicle. He was immediately airlifted to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, where medical professionals worked tirelessly to save his life.
Riley’s injuries were severe, requiring multiple surgeries in a matter of hours. Doctors reattached his right arm, repaired lacerated tendons in his left hand, addressed swelling in his abdomen caused by compartment syndrome, and placed a stent in his only kidney. In addition, they closely monitored a brain bleed and prepared Riley for dialysis and intracranial pressure (ICP) management. To assist family please click here.
Despite these Herculean efforts, there were still other serious injuries that remained untreated, including a fractured pelvis and broken legs. Tragically, the toll of the trauma became too much for Riley’s body. After a grueling 24 hours, doctors had to pause further procedures as Riley’s condition deteriorated. His blood pressure plummeted to a critical 60/40, and his oxygen levels struggled between 30-60%. Medical staff were able to restore his heart rhythm briefly after he coded in the ICU, but it was clear there was little more they could do.
As Riley’s condition worsened, his family was given a chance to say their final goodbyes. His passing has left a void not only in his family but also in the community that knew and loved him. As his aunt heartbreakingly expressed, “His absence from our family and this community is always going to be felt. I’ll always be asking why it had to be Riley, but I know he’ll be watching over us all.”
The GoFundMe page, spearheaded by Nikki Nowers and Erin Gappmayer, aims to provide financial relief for the Smith family as they cope with their devastating loss. Donations will go toward covering medical bills, funeral expenses, and giving the family time to heal without the added burden of financial stress.
The campaign has already seen an outpouring of support, with community members rallying together to share memories of Riley and offer their condolences. Friends and family describe Riley as a kind-hearted young man, always willing to lend a hand and bring a smile to those around him. His love for life, coupled with his enthusiasm for motorcycles, was a defining part of his character.
Riley’s death serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life, and his memory will undoubtedly live on through the many lives he touched. Nowers and Gappmayer, in their plea for support, echoed the collective grief of the community, stating, “Riley’s absence will be felt for years to come. The pain of losing him is beyond words, but we can help ease the burden his family now faces.”
As the Smith family navigates through this painful chapter, the community stands ready to offer love and support, knowing that, while they cannot bring Riley back, they can honor his life by being there for the people he loved most. To donate or offer support, please visit the GoFundMe page set up in Riley’s honor.