Teen who survived childhood cancer is killed in motorcycle accident

SALEM, Utah (KSL.com) — A young motorcyclist was killed Monday evening in a collision with a car at the intersection of 340 South and Woodland Hills Drive, by Valley View Middle School, Salem police say.

Family members identified the motorcyclist as 17-year-old Riley Smith. He was taken to Primary Children’s Hospital by medical helicopter after the accident, according to police.

According to family members, “he underwent a 10-hour surgery that night, with more scheduled the next day,” but “Riley’s body just could not keep up with the extensive injuries and he passed away” on Tuesday night.

“Riley’s parents, Chris and Brandy Smith, along with their other son, Hunter, who was Riley’s best friend, are completely devastated. The family would like to thank all of the first responders, and the entire community, for everything they did for Riley in an attempt to save his life,” a family member wrote.

Smith was a survivor of childhood cancer, the family said, and had a kidney removed to excise a tumor.

Police say the accident is still under investigation. A GoFundMe account has been set up for the family to offset medical expenses.