A family is grieving after their 14-year-old son was struck and killed while he was jogging in Bowie, Maryland. News4’s Shomari Stone reports.
The parents of a 14-year-old boy struck and killed by a car Saturday in Prince George's County are speaking out in hopes of honoring the memory of their son who they say was selfless, kind and talented.
Kamal Nashid, of Bowie, was killed when a driver struck him Saturday while he was crossing an intersection in the Woodmore section of Prince George's County, police said. The teen was crossing at Church Road and Fairview Vista Drive.
He was taken to an area hospital with critical injuries and was later pronounced dead.
Nashid had recently graduated from the eighth grade at Georgetown Day School, where he was an honor roll student. His parents say he was also a chess champ, jazz player and cross country runner.
But it's Nashid's giving personality his family says they will miss most.
"His selflessness ... never once have I ever seen him put his self before anybody else," his father Salim Nashid said.
"He’s always, 'Mom, your hair looks nice' or 'How are you doing today?' And that’s not just to me, he does that to everyone," his mother Yolanda Nashid said.
The Nashids said they believe Kamal would want them to continue to live, love and laugh again.
"He is a light and will continue to be a light to this world," Yolanda Nashid said.
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They are holding a candlelight vigil in Kamal's honor Friday night. It will take place near the scene of the crash.
"I miss my son," Salim Nashid said. "No words can describe how I feel."
According to a preliminary investigation, Nashid was jogging in his neighborhood when he ran into the crosswalk before traffic on Church Road had stopped. He crossed one lane of traffic in front of a red pickup truck but was struck in the second lane of traffic.
Police said the driver of the striking car stayed on the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. They are searching for a witness in the red pickup truck for help in the investigation.
Now neighbors are hoping the accident will trigger safety improvements in the area, especially because cars frequently exceed the 30 mph speed limit in the area.
The Georgetown Day School, released a letter to the community and a statement on Facebook mourning Nashid on Sunday.
"There are no words. We extend our love, care, and support to the Nashid family and to all in our community and beyond who are hurting from this devastating loss. Hold each other in your hearts," the school wrote.
Neighbors say the intersection is dangerous. It's a county road, and the city of Bowie said it has asked the county to make it safer.
“The city has been asking the county to upgrade Church Road from one end to the other for at least the last 15 years,” said Joe Meinert, of the Bowie Planning Department.
State Del. Erek Barron said he’s calling for an emergency meeting this week to find a solution.
“It shouldn’t take a tragedy like this for us to get some traction,” he said.
