LAS VEGAS, NV – A tragic accident involving a pickup truck and an 11-year-old boy on an electric bicycle has left the young boy with severe, life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning as Rayan Kim was en route to Gunderson Middle School.
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, Rayan was cycling on the sidewalk of Cactus Avenue at the intersection with Cliff Lake Street when he was hit by a 2012 Nissan Frontier. The impact knocked him off his bicycle, and he was subsequently run over by the truck.
Rayan’s mother, who is understandably distraught, has expressed her fear and sorrow over the incident. She recounted her son’s last words to her before he left for school on the morning of the accident, a simple but poignant “Mom, I love you.”
The severity of Rayan’s injuries is extensive. He was rushed to the University Medical Center, where he was treated for a fractured jaw and facial bones, a broken left arm, severe skin abrasions, a brain hemorrhage, and significant damage to his right ear.
Despite his critical condition, there is a glimmer of hope. A family friend, Kristen Penny, updated a GoFundMe page set up to support Rayan’s medical expenses, stating that he is responsive and can hear. She described his survival as a “miracle.”
The driver involved in the accident, Leo Gonzalez-Ceron, 39, remained on the scene and was not injured. Police have stated that there was no indication of impairment at the time of the incident.
In the wake of this incident and other recent accidents involving children and bicycles, law enforcement officials are urging drivers to exercise caution, particularly at intersections.
The GoFundMe page set up for Rayan’s medical expenses has raised over $53,000 towards a $100,000 goal as of Sunday. Rayan’s middle school has also initiated a donation drive, requesting community members to contribute cards and gift cards for Rayan and his family.