A 14-year-old boy has died after his e-moto struck a pickup truck near the B&A Trail on Wednesday night, Anne Arundel County officials confirmed.
According to a preliminary investigation, freshman Ryan Beales was traveling south on the B&A Trail when he entered Robinson Road and struck the side of a Dodge Ram 1500 traveling on Robinson Road.
“Heartbreaking tragedy Wednesday evening, it’s still under investigation; no charges have been filed. That driver did remain at the scene,” said Marc Limansky, a spokesperson for Anne Arundel County Police. “Again, the bike did strike the pickup truck broadside as the pickup truck was traveling Eastbound on Robinson Road.”
Police said he was flown to an area hospital with serious injuries.
In a letter sent to parents Friday afternoon, Anne Arundel County Public Schools said the Severna Park High School freshman died Thursday night from injuries suffered in the accident.
“We have been in touch with Ryan’s family to offer whatever support we can provide in the days and weeks ahead,” Principal Nathan Johnson said. “I know you (will) join me in keeping Ryan’s family in your thoughts during this most difficult time.”
Friends of Ryan gathered at the site of the crash Friday to leave flowers, candles and other items to create a memorial to honor the young teen.
“We thought instead of sitting inside, being alone and dealing with this by ourselves we said let’s go celebrate what he had. Let’s celebrate his life, let’s celebrate the impact that he left on all of us and the joy we still have because he was a part of our lives,” said Austin Machovec, a friend of Beales. “All the time around him was always a joy. When you were in his presence, there was nothing but joy in your body.”
“He always was smiling every time he walked into a room, so I’m glad he made a good impression with the little time he was at Severna Park (High School),” said Sophie Bresnan, Beales’ sister. “I just want to thank the community. I’ve never felt this much love. I’m so grateful he has so many friends and just such a great community to support him and I just hope he knows how much he was loved.”
The school said counselors and student services staff were available to help students process their feelings. Additional staff were brought in to assist on Friday.
“A young life has been lost, a very popular student, new to the school, new to the community but had made an impact, nonetheless,” said Bob Mosier, the Chief of Communications for Anne Arundel County Schools. “Counselors and student services staff (were) in the school to address any needs any student had. We brought in additional counselors and student services staff (on Friday) to make sure we were able to address those needs. Our partners at police brought their crisis intervention team in to deal with the adult side of it.”
Police added the teen was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Officials said anyone who may need to speak with someone can call their Anne Arundel County Crisis Warmline at (410) 768-5522.
