Russia, NY woke up heavy with grief after the sudden death of 16-year-old Rykah J. Lyons, a Remsen teen whose life ended in a snowmobile crash that has shaken the heart of the community.
The crash happened on the afternoon of February 2, 2026, in the Town of Russia. New York State Police say Rykah was riding a snowmobile southbound on a secondary trail near Riggerman Road when things went terribly wrong.
Investigators say Rykah lost control of the machine. The snowmobile left the trail and slammed into a tree. The impact was severe. Rykah was pronounced dead at the scene before he could be transported for further care.
Emergency crews rushed in, hoping for a different outcome. North Star Ambulance, the Remsen Fire Department, and the Barneveld Fire Department all responded and worked together at the remote trail site. Despite their efforts, the loss was unavoidable.
State Police continue to investigate what led to the crash. Officials have not yet released details about speed, trail conditions, or whether other factors played a role. The investigation remains active as troopers work to piece together Rykah’s final moments.
Back in Remsen, the loss feels personal and raw. Friends describe Rykah as full of energy and warmth, someone who brought laughter into ordinary moments. His presence was felt wherever he went, and his absence now leaves a painful silence.
For a town used to close bonds and familiar faces, this tragedy cuts deep. Families are hugging tighter. Conversations are softer. A young life, filled with promise and unfinished dreams, is being mourned by an entire community.
Rykah J. Lyons is being remembered not for the way he died, but for how he lived. His name will live on in shared stories, quiet prayers, and the memories held close by those who loved him most.
