PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY — The loved ones of Richie O'Brien are mourning his loss this week, after the beloved father of two succumbed Sunday to his injuries sustained in a crash with a bicyclist in New York City last week, his friends say.
O'Brien, 41, of Port Jefferson Station, suffered "a severe and devastating brain injury," and died "peacefully" with his wife, Ronni, by his side, wrote GoFundMe organizer, Casey Bartels.
"Although our hearts are broken by this unimaginable loss, Richie's legacy will live on," she wrote, adding that he was "able to give the gift of life to others through organ donation, helping those in need even in his final moments."
"We are incredibly grateful for the love, prayers, and support that have surrounded Richie and his family throughout this heartbreaking journey," she wrote.
Patch has reached out to Bartels.
The New York Police Department said that the incident remains under investigation with the department's Highway District Collision Investigation Squad.
O'Brien was "a proud" Local 638 steamfitter, who went to work every day to provide for his family and give his wife, a stay-at-home mom, and their two daughters, Kylie, 8, and Mia, 12, "the life they deserve," she wrote.
The fundraiser was created to help O'Brien's family "with the immediate expenses they are facing and, hopefully, provide some financial security and help ease the burden of their mortgage as Ronni navigates life as a single mother."
"No family should have to worry about finances while facing something this heartbreaking," she said.
Since O'Brien's injury, the community has rallied around his family, raising more than $132,000.
Family friend, Andres Rodriguez, told Patch that O'Brien "succumbed to his injuries" on Sunday morning.
"In his passing, he was able to donate three of his organs because that's the type of selfless person he was," she said in an email. "Now, his wife, Ronni, is left to continue her life raising their two children alone."
"As a homemaker, my general concern is making sure they are financially secure, allowing them to grieve this tremendous loss," she continued. "I've experienced some tremendous loss over the last six years, but this one seems so unfair."
"It's an inconceivable tragedy, and my heart breaks for his family," she added.
Bartels urged the community to donate "whatever you can."
"Every contribution, no matter the amount, will help this family through the days and months ahead," she wrote. " If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, coworkers, and anyone who may be able to help.
"Thank you for standing with Richie, Ronni, Kylie, and Mia, during this incredibly difficult time," she added.
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