An 11-year-old Korean American girl died after being struck by a school bus in Montgomery County, Maryland, on the 9th at 3:13 p.m.
According to Montgomery County Police, the accident occurred at about 3:13 p.m. on the 9th in the Aspen Hill–Rockville area. Summer Lim (11), a student at Earle B. Wood Middle School, was riding her bicycle home from school when she was struck by a school bus turning right from Bauer Drive onto Russett Road. She received CPR at the scene but did not survive.
Police confirmed that students were on the bus at the time, but no additional injuries were reported. Authorities are investigating the driver’s identity and possible negligence.
Friends and family described Lim as bright and adventurous, with a love for art and reading. At home, she cared for her younger sister and brother and was remembered as a courageous and kind eldest child.
Residents later created a memorial at the intersection, placing flowers, dolls, and handwritten notes to honor her memory. On the 10th and 11th, dozens gathered at the Church of Christ at Manor Woods in Rockville for a memorial service and candlelight vigil.
Assistant Pastor Mark Lewis said the community came together to share in the family’s pain. “The loss of a child is unbearable, but our community must grieve and comfort one another,” he said.
In a letter to parents, Heidi Slatcoff, principal of Earle B. Wood Middle School, wrote that everyone’s hearts are broken and that counseling will be available to students, staff, and families.
A GoFundMe page was launched to help cover funeral expenses, noting that Lim loved drawing, reading, and spending time with her family. The page expresses hope that donations will help her loved ones through this difficult time.
BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]
