On the evening of September 23, 2024, our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy. Riley E. Smith, a vibrant 17-year-old with a deep love for the outdoors, animals, his family and friends, and his motorcycle, was suddenly taken from us.
Riley was a childhood cancer survivor who not only overcame adversity but thrived in life. He was a student at Salem Hills High School, where he passionately participated in FFA. Following in his father’s footsteps, Riley worked for Salem City alongside his brother and best friend, Hunter. Together, they dedicated countless hours to earn enough to purchase their very own motorcycles — a shared dream they were finally able to achieve.
That September evening, Riley set out for a short ride to Water Canyon, not far from home. Riley was always sure to wear his helmet and ride responsibly. As he approached a green light at Woodland Hills Drive, a driver attempting a left turn failed to see him due to the sun’s glare. The SUV turned directly into Riley’s path. His motorcycle collided with the vehicle, and he was thrown into the windshield.
Riley sustained devastating injuries: severe trauma to all limbs, near-severance of his right arm, critical damage to his left hand, a shattered pelvis, internal bleeding, and brain hemorrhaging. First responders arrived swiftly and administered life-saving care as his mom and dad watched helplessly. He was Lifeflighted to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, where he passed away the following afternoon.
Riley leaves behind a loving family — his parents, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins — and a circle of friends who cherished him. He also leaves his beloved dog, pheasants, chickens, and FFA pig.
This was a tragic accident that deeply affected the whole community of Salem City. A moment’s delay in making that left turn could have spared Riley’s life. The void left from his passing is unimaginable and one that can never be replaced. The pain we all carry is a testament to the love we all had for him — and a loss that could have been prevented with just a second more of caution.
