Teen Dies After Being Hit By Car, Fundraiser To Help Family

GERMANTOWN, MD — Elijah Miles, a student at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Germantown, died Friday after being struck by a car as he crossed a street near Seneca Valley High School.

The eighth-grader was crossing Wisteria Drive Tuesday about 9 p.m. when he was hit by a car. The 14-year-old was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A GoFundMe account set up to help Miles' family with medical expenses said he died about 2:45 p.m. Friday of a traumatic brain injury. His organs were donated to help others.

As of Monday morning, $17,450 raised to help the family. He is the son of Darnita Miles and Regnald Wright.

"Elijah's smile could light up a room, it was infectious," said family friend Tina Marie, who created the online fundraiser. "First and foremost I am asking for prayers for Elijah's soul, the parents of Elijah, family, and friends. Secondly, any donation small/large or even a share would be greatly appreciated as no parent is ever prepared for an event of this devastating magnitude."

Previously, Miles had attended Redland Middle School in Derwood.

County Councilmember Will Jawando said Friday afternoon that Montgomery County Public Schools told him the driver of the vehicle was a high school student.

Police said the driver involved in the accident remained at the scene.

A black Acura TSX was northbound on Wisteria Drive when the driver struck Miles, who was westbound, crossing the road, police said.

Police ask that anyone with information about the crash contact detectives at 240-773-6620.