By Matthew Hersh
A juvenile operating an e-motorcycle who had been involved in a collision with a motor vehicle on Sunday, April 26, has tragically died, according to the Princeton Police Department.
Just after noon on Sunday, Princeton Police responded to the intersection of Ewing Street and Terhune Road for a reported motor vehicle collision involving an e-bike. Princeton Police were joined on the scene by the Princeton Fire Department and the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad. Upon arrival, emergency personnel determined that a juvenile operating an e-motorcycle personal electric vehicle (PEV), or “e-moto,” had been involved in a collision with a motor vehicle.
Correspondence from Princeton Public Schools to the community later identified the youth as Abraham Abed, a 6th grader at Princeton Middle School. First responders immediately rendered medical aid to Abraham, who was subsequently transported to a local hospital where he later died.
“It is with profound sadness that we report the juvenile has succumbed to the injuries sustained in the crash,” said Princeton Police in a statement. “On behalf of the Princeton Police Department, we extend our deepest condolences to the juvenile’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss. This is an incredibly difficult time for the family and the broader community, and we ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”
“Our thoughts remain with the family as they navigate this profound loss,” said the PPD statement.
A preliminary investigation indicates that Abraham was traveling northbound on Ewing Street and proceeded into the intersection of Terhune Road, where he collided with a vehicle traveling eastbound on Terhune Road. The driver of the involved vehicle suffered a minor injury, according to police.
The Princeton Police Department’s Serious Collision Response Team, along with representatives from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, responded to the scene to conduct a comprehensive investigation. The area surrounding Ewing Street and Terhune Road was closed for approximately three and a half hours.
Princeton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael LaSusa addressed the school community Tuesday morning, announcing the loss. “I am sorry that I must report that one of our students, Abraham Abed, has passed away. We send our most heartfelt and deepest sympathies to the Abed family at this terrible time,” he wrote.
LaSusa said crisis protocols were in place at Princeton Middle School Tuesday, with district counseling staff and support from the Mercer Counter Traumatic Loss Coalition, available to all students and staff. Additional resources would be available in other district schools as needed, he said, and that parents should reach out directly to their child’s counselor with any individual concerns.
“We also understand that some students might not be able to report to school due to their sadness. In that case, please also alert your child’s school so that we may connect with the child upon their return,” LaSusa wrote.
Princeton High School principal Cecilia Birge addressed the high school community Tuesday morning, saying that PHS would maintain its planned schedule, while also making space for students who are struggling.
“If you need support at any point today, please speak with a teacher, counselor, administrator, or any trusted adult. You may also come directly to the Counseling Suite. Please take care of yourselves and one another today. Loss like this can affect people in different ways, and there is no single ‘right’ way to feel. What matters most is that you do not carry it alone,” Birge said.
Larry Patton, head of school at Princeton Charter School, where Abraham had been a student through the 4th grade, expressed “great sadness” and noted Abraham’s brother is also a Princeton Charter School graduate. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the Abed family in this unimaginably difficult time,” Patton said, adding that PCS’ school counselor would be available to speak with any students “who may be struggling understandably with this terrible news.”
Mayor Mark Freda and the Princeton Council issued a joint statement on Tuesday afternoon, expressing the sorrow and loss felt throughout the community: “The Mayor and Council join the Princeton community in mourning the loss of our young neighbor who passed away following injuries sustained in the motor vehicle collision on Sunday, April 26. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones affected by this tragic loss, and we respectfully ask that their privacy be honored as they grieve.”
The incident occurred as state and local officials created additional guardrails to personal electronic vehicle (PEV) operations. New Jersey’s PEV law, which regulates electric bicycles and updates the regulation, licensing, classification, and training requirements for e-bikes goes into effect on July 19, and just last week, Princeton University announced new restrictions and rules related to PEV use.