Kareem Hodge Accident Death, 13-year-old Western Pines school student dies after dirt bike crash
Tragedy struck the community of Loxahatchee as 13-year-old Kareem Hodge succumbed to injuries sustained in a dirt bike accident that occurred six days prior.
The young boy’s untimely death has left the community in mourning, raising concerns about safety and prompting reflection on the importance of vigilance during recreational activities.
13-Year-Old Kareem Hodge Dies Six Days After Dirt Bike Crash
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a 13-year-old boy named Kareem Hodge tragically lost his life on Monday, six days after a devastating dirt bike collision with a car while leaving school, as reported by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO). The young victim, identified in both the PBSO crash report and by a woman claiming to be his aunt, hails from Loxahatchee.
According to the PBSO’s detailed crash report, the incident unfolded on February 6, when Kareem Hodge was navigating his dirt bike along a sidewalk on Orange Boulevard, approaching the service exit of Acreage Pines Elementary School.
Simultaneously, a Nissan Murano, operated by a 54-year-old driver, was approaching the same service exit. The driver came to a stop at a traffic sign and, unaware of the rapid approach of the 13-year-old on his dirt bike, began to move forward.
Tragically, the collision occurred between the two, leaving the community in shock. The responsible driver remained at the scene, cooperating with authorities.
Following the incident, rescue teams rushed Kareem Hodge to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery and remained in critical condition.
Sadly, on February 12, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the devastating news that Kareem Hodge had succumbed to his injuries at 11:38 a.m., leaving behind a grieving community and raising important questions about safety measures around school zones and recreational areas.
In the wake of the distressing incident detailed in the crash report, the community rallied together to express solidarity and offer support to Kareem Hodge’s family.
A poignant prayer vigil was organized on February 9, where community members gathered to send heartfelt prayers and positive energy during the challenging time when the young boy was still in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at St. Mary’s Medical Center. This demonstration of unity underscored the community’s shared grief and the collective desire to provide solace to the grieving family.
Beyond the community’s response, the administrators and teachers at Western Pines Middle School exhibited exceptional compassion and support. Recognizing the profound impact of the tragedy on both the family directly involved and the students who may have been affected emotionally, these educators went above and beyond their roles.
Their concerted efforts aimed at offering assistance, comfort, and guidance to the grieving family and providing a supportive environment for the affected students to cope with the emotional aftermath of this devastating incident.