BETHESDA, Md. — A 17-year-old bicyclist who was struck by an SUV in Bethesda has died, police said.
Police were called at 4:52 p.m. Wednesday to the intersection of Old Georgetown Road and Beech Avenue on the report of a serious collision involving a bicyclist and a vehicle.
The bicyclist was traveling on the southbound sidewalk of Old Georgetown Road, approaching Beech Avenue, when he fell from the sidewalk and into the roadway. He was then struck by a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas that was traveling southbound Old Georgetown Road.
The driver, a 39-year-old Bethesda man, stopped and remained at the scene, police said. He was not injured.
The bicyclist, identified as Jacob Cassell, of Bethesda, was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said. He succumbed to his injuries early Thursday morning.
Churchill High School Principal Brandice Heckert said Cassell was the school's mascot and "will be greatly missed." Cassell was the Churchill High School mascot.
On Thursday, Cassell's cheerleading teammates met for a regular practice. Cheerleader Michah Baylor said they cried a lot as they processed the news together.
"He’s an amazing person, this whole thing still feels so unreal," Baylor said.
Baylor said he she will miss his constant upbeat presence on the team.
“He was always bubbly; just a really strong support system," she said.
Cheerleader Ally Salzberg said she was injured during the last season, and spent a lot of time on the sidelines getting to know Cassell last year. She said his spirit, and what he brought to the school community will be missed.
"He had the biggest impact on so many people. And the most positive impact on so many lives," she said. "And he’s really changed the world for the better."
Salzberg said the cheer team is still making plans to honor their friend and teammate, but the team will be wearing purple to remember his favorite color at the upcoming first game of the football season. "He’ll forever be a bulldog. Everyone will have his spirit there.”
Investigators ask anyone who witnessed the collision to call the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 240-773- 6620. Callers may remain anonymous.