Child struck by car Sunday dies

Boy, 10, was student at Wade Elementary

A 10-year-old boy struck by a car Sunday succumbed to his injuries and died Tuesday, according to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.

James Elek Maples, 10, of Waldorf was riding his bicycle in a marked crosswalk when he was struck by a Nissan Altima April 10, according to police.

Maples was transported to Children’s National Medical Center with critical injuries and died April 12. The sheriff’s office said Maples was wearing a helmet and was in the company of his mother and two friends at the time he was struck.

The driver of the Nissan, a 28-year-old female, remained on the scene. CCSO spokeswoman Diane Richardson said no charges have yet been filed, and the cause of the accident is still unknown at this time.

Investigators are attempting

to retrieve cell phone records and vehicle speed data, and the incident remains under investigation by the Traffic Operations Unit, Richardson said.

Maples was a fifth grade student at William B. Wade Elementary School.

Melisa Carpenter, Maples’ homeroom and math teacher, described James as a well-liked student of many talents. Carpenter said he played soccer, played guitar and violin, and participated in the school’s chess club, math team and participated in the school’s MESA [Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement] program.

“He was just an amazing kid,” Carpenter said. “One of the biggest things about James was he always gave to others. He was growing his hair out so he could donate it to Locks of Love.”

Locks of Love is a nonprofit that uses donated hair to make wigs to give to children with medical conditions causing hair loss, such as children undergoing chemotherapy.

“He was always thinking of others,” Carpenter said.

Carpenter said news of Maples’ death was devastating to his classmates, but that they have been sharing stories and videos.

“He had such spirit,” Carpenter said. “It’s really helped the kids to be able to share stories about James.”

Charles County Public Schools spokeswoman Katie O’Malley-Simpson said a crisis team has been sent to the school and grief counseling is available to any students who need it.

“The principal met with each class [Wednesday], and held a briefing with staff the day before,” O’Malley-Simpson said.