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A Babylon family devastated by an early morning car crash in West Babylon that claimed two lives is receiving a wave of support from the community.
As Jay and Kelly Trezza maintain a vigil at their seriously injured children’s bedsides in Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, more than 2,100 donors have contributed $134,000 to a fundraising effort to assist the family with mounting medical expenses and potential long-term rehabilitation costs.
Bella Trezza, 17, was driving, and her brother Austin, 18, and three friends were passengers riding in a 2025 Kia Seltos that was slammed into by a 2017 Kia sedan that allegedly ran a red light just after 1 a.m. Saturday, Suffolk County police said.
Bella Trezza, a senior at St. John the Baptist High School with aspirations of becoming a nurse, is on life support with grave injuries that include brain trauma, the loss of her spleen and multiple fractures. Austin, a 2024 graduate of West Babylon High School and volunteer firefighter, is in stable condition after multiple surgeries, but faces more surgeries and arduous recovery ahead.
The Trezzas’ friend, Riley Goot, 18, of Babylon, was killed in the crash. Michael Desmond, 33, of Lindenhurst, who was driving the Kia sedan, also died, police said.
Services for Riley Goot, 18, ‘a ray of light’
The two other passengers in the car with the Trezzas, Jack Murphy, 18, of Babylon, and Anthony Pagliuca, 16, of West Babylon, also sustained serious injuries, according to authorities. Murphy is being treated at Good Samaritan, while Pagliuca is being cared for at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore.
An aspiring nurse
“In addition to the emotional toll, they are now facing an overwhelming financial burden,” states the GoFundMe campaign that was established on Sunday. “Between mounting medical expenses, potential long-term rehabilitation costs, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead, they need our help more than ever.
“With Jay and Kelly staying by their children’s bedside, their ability to work is significantly limited, adding to the financial stress they are under,” the GoFundMe campaign adds.
The financial support — raised in a little over 24 hours — allows them to focus on their children’s recovery, said Gina Giacchetto, a family friend who created the fundraising campaign.
The campaign describes the Trezza siblings as active and caring members of the community. Austin Trezza joined the West Babylon Volunteer Fire Department in 2023, while Bella recently completed a healthcare internship program, pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse.
A volunteer firefighter
“It’s our turn to rally around them, offering our love, support, and financial assistance as they navigate this heart-wrenching situation,” the campaign states. “Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference. If you are unable to donate, we kindly ask that you keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.”
The tragic accident has deeply affected the West Babylon community. A candlelight vigil was held Sunday night at West Babylon High School to honor the teen victims. A prayer vigil will be held at Monday at 7 p.m. at St. John the Baptist High School in West Islip.
