In Memory of Cody Groat: Support for Chelsea

In Loving Memory of Cody Groat — Supporting Chelsea Through the Unthinkable

On June 7th, 2025, our lives changed forever. My beautiful son, Cody Groat, was tragically and suddenly taken from us. He was just running a quick errand on his motorcycle—something so ordinary—but he never came home.

Cody was a bright light in our lives: a son who brought joy and laughter, a loving fiancé to Chelsea, a brother, and a friend to so many. His absence has left a hole in our hearts that can never be filled.

Now, in the middle of our deep grief, we’re also facing difficult realities. Cody did not have life insurance, and there was no death benefit on his motorcycle policy. That means every cost—from funeral arrangements to paying off the secured loans on his work tools and toolbox—is now falling on Chelsea and our family.

Chelsea and Cody built a life together. They were a two-income household, and losing Cody means she now carries the full weight of everything they once shared. She shouldn't have to carry this burden alone while she’s trying to survive the grief of losing the love of her life.

We’ve created this GoFundMe to ask for help—something we don’t do lightly, but with hearts that are broken and hands that need lifting.

Funds raised will go toward:

Funeral and memorial expenses for Cody

Paying off the secured loans for Cody’s Snap-on toolbox. It might sound odd to say he was proud of owning that huge gray & blue toolbox, but it speaks to how much he loved working with his hands and tinkering on vehicles in his off time as well. He loved having the tools to help someone anytime they asked. Being able to keep them is very important to both Chelsea and myself because it represents so much of who Cody was.

Helping Chelsea adjust to the loss of their shared income as she begins to rebuild her life.

If you can give anything, please know it means the world to us. And if you’re unable to donate, sharing this campaign is another powerful way you can help.

From a mother who is missing her son with every breath, and from all of us who love Chelsea and Cody—thank you. Thank you for seeing us, for supporting us, and for helping carry a little of this heavy load.

With much love and gratitude,

Mellissa Harris (Cody’s Mom) and Chelsea

The realistic amount to cover these costs is well over $15,000 but we're setting an initial goal of $9,000 just so these expenses don't cripple us financially. Any amount raised above our need will go to funding the Cody William Michael Groat Scholarship to be presented annually to a graduating senior of Burnt Hills - Ballston Lake, Cody's High School.