A tragic turn of events unfolded yesterday when a 15-year-old Tigard High School sophomore, Mikah Cavalcanti-Chun, was found deceased after an electric bike (e-bike) accident in Tualatin. According to OregonLive, a passerby discovered the adolescent alongside Southwest 124th Avenue after losing control of the bike, colliding with the curb, and then a tree. Police reported that although the teen was wearing a helmet, he succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
Found lying on the ground near a tree with an adjacent e-bike, the teen's death has triggered a police investigation into the potential causes that may have led to the loss of control, as detailed by KOIN 6 News.
Professional driver Andrew Mestre told KOIN 6 News, "Just heartbreaking you know, that’s extremely young, who knows what phone calls are being made, that’s everyone’s worst nightmare," echoing the sentiments of a community shaken by the tragedy. The accident occurred along a frequently traversed route around four miles from Tigard High. The event underscores concerns about road safety for vulnerable commuters, such as pedestrians and cyclists.
The atmosphere at Tigard High is somber as news of Cavalcanti-Chun's untimely passing spreads. "It's definitely going to be really sad. There's definitely going to be some teachers that talk about it," Daniel Lamet, a student, told KATU. A sense of community grieving emerges as fellow student Haley added, "Absolutely, like again, my condolences to family and friends that this kid has," reflecting the shared hurt resonating throughout the campus and extending beyond its boundaries.
