A somber memorial continues to grow in Rockville, Maryland, near the intersection where tragedy struck on Thursday afternoon.
Eleven-year-old Summer Lim, a sixth-grade student at Earle B. Wood Middle School, was struck and killed by a school bus while riding her bicycle home from school. The heartbreaking incident has left her family, classmates, and the wider community in shock and mourning.
According to Montgomery County police, the accident occurred around 3 p.m. on Bauer Drive near Russett Road, just as students were heading home for the day. Both Lim and the school bus were traveling east on Bauer Drive when the driver turned right onto southbound Russett Road.
During that turn, the collision occurred, leaving the young girl critically injured. Despite desperate efforts by first responders to save her, Lim was pronounced dead at the scene.
In the hours following the accident, the quiet residential neighborhood—known for its tree-lined streets and family-friendly atmosphere—was overtaken by grief. Community members began leaving flowers, candles, and a teddy bear near the intersection where the tragedy unfolded. The small memorial has since grown, symbolizing the collective sorrow of a community that lost one of its own far too soon.
“I wanted to just leave a memorial for her. I’ve been praying for her,” said neighbor Liesl Ament, her voice heavy with emotion as she placed flowers among the other tributes. For many residents, the accident felt deeply personal, as it could have happened to any child riding home from school on a sunny afternoon.
Another resident, Alexander Caceres, expressed how shaken his family has been since the tragedy. “Very bad. I mean, my daughter didn’t even want to go to school today,” he said, reflecting the deep sense of fear and sadness that has gripped local families.
His young daughter, Cielo, who is a year younger than Summer, quietly added, “She should’ve had a longer life. I’m just sad for her.” In response to the devastating incident, Montgomery County Public Schools confirmed that the bus driver involved has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure following a serious crash.
Police emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and may take several weeks or longer as they review all evidence, including video footage, witness statements, and the mechanical condition of the bus.
Meanwhile, neighbors are urging local authorities to take action to make the intersection safer. Several residents have called for the installation of stop signs, additional crosswalk markings, or regular police patrols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As Rockville continues to mourn, the community is coming together to honor Summer’s memory. A vigil was scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday at the Church of Christ at Manor Woods, where friends, classmates, and families planned to gather to share memories, light candles, and support one another in grief.
