MIAMI GARDENS, FL – A 14-year-old student from Miami Norland Senior High School tragically lost his life on Tuesday while cycling to school. The teenager, Bao Tran, was remembered by his peers as a quiet, humorous individual who brought joy to those around him. Marri Wilson, a 10th grader who attended middle school with Tran, described him as a kind-hearted person.
Tran’s family, who migrated to the U.S. four years ago, had plans to return to Vietnam when he turned 18. His mother revealed that Tran had aspirations to financially assist the less fortunate in Vietnam. To help his hardworking mother, Tran chose to cycle to school, a decision that unfortunately led to his untimely demise.
The fatal incident occurred early Tuesday morning on Northwest 199th Street. Tran’s damaged bicycle and the white van that hit him were found at the scene. The police confirmed that Tran was en route to school when the van, exiting a parking lot, struck him. He was immediately airlifted to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The van involved in the accident is registered to Leza’s Plumbing Corporation, a company based in Hialeah. The driver from the incident stayed at the scene and cooperated with the police. It is still uncertain whether charges will be filed against the driver.
In a tragic twist of irony, Tran had participated in a bike safety program at his previous school, Andover Middle School. His family has since established a GoFundMe page to cover the funeral expenses. The Miami Gardens police department used this tragic incident to remind drivers to be vigilant of pedestrians and cyclists to prevent such accidents.