Our community is deeply saddened over the heartbreaking loss of five children, ages 5 to 15, in a tragic traffic accident on Route 301 in Bowie, early Saturday morning.

On behalf of the County Council, the residents of the Fourth District and my own family, I extend our deepest condolences upon the loss of Northview Elementary students, 5-year-old London and 8-year-old Paris Dixon of Bowie; as well as 6-year-old Rickelle Ricks, 14-year-old Zion Beard, and 15-year-old Damari Herald, of Washington, D.C.

The two adults involved, Dominique Taylor, mother of London and Paris, and Cornell D. Simon of Oxon Hill, also suffered serious injury.

We cannot begin to know the pain the parents and family of these children are experiencing, but as a community we mourn with them, and offer our thoughts and prayers on behalf of all involved.

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