Marisa Harris, a 22-year-old Towson University graduate from Olney, Maryland, was killed when a 12-year-old boy jumped from an overpass above Interstate 66 in northern Virginia, landing on her cars. Harris was pronounced dead at the scene.
Harris, who graduated summa cum laude from Towson University before starting her graduate career at Marymount University, wanted to help kids combating depression. Harris’ mother said it was “ironic”, saying the boy who killed her is a kid Marisa would’ve helped.
The unidentified boy was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
via WUSA 9:
According to police, Harris was driving her 2005 Ford Escape, traveling east on I-66, when the boy jumped from the Cedar Lane overpass in Fairfax County, incapacitating her.
Harris’ family said her boyfriend, who was in the passenger’s seat, took control of the car and steered it off of the interstate.
Police responded to the accident at 4:18 p.m. Harris was pronounced dead at the scene. Her boyfriend was not injured. Police transported the 12-year-old boy to Fairfax Inova Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Towson University released a statement about Harris’ tragic passing:
“The entire Towson University family is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our alumna, Marisa Harris. Marisa was a caring, giving person who intended to devote her life to helping children in crisis. We also send our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the injured 12-year-old, who apparently was seeking an escape from this world for whatever reasons. This is a horrific tragedy that will forever impact the lives of everyone who knew, loved and admired our Marisa.”
The crash is still under investigation and there is no further information at this time.
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