It is a tragic ending to an activity that kids do every day, riding a bicycle. On Thursday the teen on a bike who was hit by a vehicle after falling off a sidewalk has claimed the life of a 17-year old boy.

Jacob Cassell was a rising Junior at Winston Churchill High School in Bethesda. Principle Brandice Heckert posted on Twitter, “Jake, had a kind heart and a contagious smile. He will be greatly missed.” The accident happened on busy Old Georgetown Road as he tried to go around some trash cans on a narrow sidewalk. The driver of the Volkswagen Atlas stayed on the scene.

Neighbors said they complained of the dangers for bicyclists in the past. They feel designated bike lanes need to be put in the area.

Grief counselors will be on hand at Winston Churchhill for staff and students in need.

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