.jpg)
The Rockbridge County High School and Goshen communities are joining the family in mourning the death of a RCHS senior in a single-vehicle crash.
Devin Riley, 18, of Goshen died following the accident on Ridge Road near Fairfield Sunday night.
According to a Virginia State Police news release, the 2000 Ford Ranger Riley was driving was traveling south on Ridge Road when the vehicle veered left, crashed into an embankment, and overturned.
He died at the scene of the accident, which took place four-tenths of a mile north of McClure Boulevard at 11:08 p.m. He had been wearing his seatbelt. The crash remains under investigation.
He is very well-thought of at our school and our community,” Rockbridge County High School Principal Mike Craft said Monday. “It’s a tragic loss – just terrible.”
Riley was a very involved student at RCHS and played football and baseball.
RCHS head football coach Martin Cox said, “Devin Riley was the type of young man every coach should want to be a part of their program. He gave his all in practice and in games, he was respectful and hardworking in school and the community, and he was always positive and uplifting to those around him. In short, he was a great young man with a maturity which exceeded his years.”
Riley also made his mark within the community and volunteered at the Goshen Volunteer Fire Department.
In his memory, the GVFD posted on Facebook with pictures of Riley active in uniform.
“Firefighter Riley joined the department as a junior member. He has since served his town faithfully while maintaining his grades and being an athlete in high school. He was 18 years old and set to graduate in a few short weeks.”
The post continues, “FF Riley always had a smile on his face and would light up any room. He laughed and joked right alongside us. He trained hard and would help anyone, anytime. Please keep his family, friends, and brothers and sisters at GVFD in your thoughts and prayers during this trying time ... Rest easy, 320. We got it from here.”
Early Monday morning, Craft made a public announcement to his students and staff of what occurred Sunday night. He offered counseling services to students and staff. RCHS also postponed SOL testing scheduled on Monday to give students time to regroup.
“Our students and staff are taking it very hard. He was a very well-liked young man. He was active in sports. This definitely has not been an easy day and it definitely won’t be easy for a while now. It’s going to take time to get over this,” Craft said.
With graduation and senior events a few short weeks away, Craft is unsure of how administration will approach Riley’s loss when addressing the student body. Craft is keeping the wishes of the Riley family as his top priority before any decisions are made.
For now, the RCHS students are coming together and laying flowers on Riley’s school parking spot. Inside the school, long pieces of paper have been hung on the walls welcoming students to write notes and prayers to Riley’s family.
