Driver killed after after boy jumps off overpass in suicide attempt
A 22-year-old woman who studied to become a clinical counselor was killed after a 12-year-old boy jumped off of an overpass in an apparent attempt at suicide.
On Saturday, Marisa Harris was driving, with her boyfriend in the passenger seat, when the boy jumped and landed on the SUV. Harris was reportedly killed on impact, but her boyfriend was able to grab the steering wheel and turn off the road.
The 12-year-old boy was hospitalized after the jump with life-threatening injuries.
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The families of both the boy who jumped and Harris were stunned by the tragedy. Harris’ family said that the tragedy was further compounded by the fact that Harris was a counseling student and had a gift for working with troubled children, so she would have helped the boy if she had known him.
“She was caring,” her mother, Leigh Miller, told The Washington Post, “She had an absolute love for children. She was — she was awesome. I miss her so much.”
Marymount University, where Harris attended, has made counselors available for any who need it. A memorial is also planned off-campus.
“Every student contributes immeasurably to the community we create together at Marymount University. The loss of any student, particularly in so heartbreaking a manner, grieves us all,” the school said in a statement.
Flowers left on the Cedar Lane overpass above I-66 where police say a 12 yr old boy jumped in attempt to commit suicide…killing 22 yr old Marisa Harris who was driving below. Boy has life threatening injuries @fox5dc pic.twitter.com/ingsxw4t3i
— Anjali Hemphill (@AnjaliHemphill) October 30, 2017
