Yahoo News Woman driver, 22, died when suicidal boy, 12, jumped onto her car from bridge
A woman driver was killed after a 12-year-old boy attempted suicide by throwing himself from a bridge over a US highway onto her car.
Marisa W Harris died at the scene after the boy, who is not being named, jumped off the bridge in Fairfax County, Virginia, at around 4.18pm on Sunday afternoon.
The 22-year-old was driving her Ford Escape along Interstate 66 when the boy landed onto the vehicle, incapacitating her.
It is believed the passenger in the vehicle – believed to be Ms Harris’ boyfriend – steered the car into the hard shoulder to stop it.
Corinne Geller, spokeswoman for the state police, said in a statement that the passenger in the car was unhurt but the boy suffered life-threatening injuries.
Ms Harris, who lived in Arlington, was studying clinical counselling at Marymount University and wanted to work with children with severe behavioural problems.
Speaking at the family home in Olney, Maryland, Marisa’s mother Leigh Miller said: “She was caring – I mean she had an absolute love for children.
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“She was awesome. I miss her so much.”
Her father, Patrick Harris, added: “She was fearless, she was absolutely fearless. She was loved by her friends, she was dearly loved by her family, she was admired by her peers, she was just a shining star.”
Interstate 66 was closed for several hours while police conducted investigations.
For confidential emotional support, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.
