Suffolk police: 2 killed, 4 seriously injured in West Babylon car crash

It happened at the intersection between Great East Neck Road and Railroad Avenue just after 1 a.m.

Roberto Torres

Sep 21, 2024, 10:06 AM

Updated 14 days ago

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Suffolk County police say two people were killed and four others were seriously injured Saturday morning in a West Babylon car crash.
It happened at the intersection between Great East Neck Road and Railroad Avenue just after 1 a.m.
Detectives say 33-year-old Michael Desmond, of Lindenhurst, was driving a 2017 Kia sedan eastbound on Railroad Avenue when he failed to stop at a red light at the intersection of Great East Neck Road. His vehicle then struck a 2025 Kia Seltos that was traveling southbound on Great East Neck Road.
Desmond was pronounced dead at the scene.
A passenger in the Seltos identified as 18-year-old Riley Goot, of Babylon, was taken to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip where he was pronounced dead.
The driver of the Seltos, 17-year-old Bella Trezza, and two other passengers, 18-year-old Austin Trezza and 18-year-old Jack Murphy, all from Babylon, were also taken to Good Samaritan University Hospital to be treated for serious injuries.
An additional passenger, 16-year-old Anthony Pagliuca, of West Babylon, was taken to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore to be treated for serious injuries.
Detectives are asking anyone with information on the crash to call the Suffolk County Police First Squad at 631-854-8152.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to call 631-854-8152.
The West Babylon School District released a statement about the fatal crash. It reads:
Dear West Babylon Families,
It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today to share the devastating news of a tragic car accident that occurred last night involving recent graduates and members of the extended WB family. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends impacted by this tragedy. Our hearts break alongside theirs as they face this unimaginable loss. The impact of such a tragedy is felt by all in WB as we are a close-knit community. We mourn the loss of a promising young life who was part of our school family and had bright hopes for the future. We pray for the full recovery of all who were seriously injured as a result of this car accident.
In moments like these, we must come together to support one another. Counselors and support services will be available beginning Monday for any student and staff member who may need them in the days and weeks ahead. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know could benefit from speaking to someone during this difficult time. We are here to ensure no one grieves alone.
As a school district community we will focus on supporting our students, families, and each other as we process this heartbreaking tragedy. I encourage each of you to check in on one another, and if you need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to a social worker, guidance counselor, psychologist, principal, or any member of the central administration team so that we can provide support and/or direct you to the appropriate resources.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Yiendhy Farrelly
Superintendent of Schools