Lee's Summit community mourns loss of 14-year-old killed in bicycle crash
LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. — Heartbreak has ripped through the Lee's Summit community after 14-year-old Noah Lakey, an outgoing eighth grader at Summit Lakes Middle School, was killed while riding his bike.
According to police, Lakey was riding along the sidewalk near SW Jefferson Road and SW Scherer Road when he entered the westbound lane and collided with a vehicle.
He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. The driver was evaluated at the scene and did not require medical attention.
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Noah was just weeks away from starting his freshman year of high school, a milestone he'll now never reach. In the wake of his death, friends of the family launched a GoFundMe, which has already raised over $20,000 in a single day.
Amber Rollins, Director of Kansas City-based Kids and Cars Safety, says this tragedy is sadly far from rare.
'As a mother, my heart is broken for this family and this community,' Rollins said.
'I'm sure there are so many people who loved this young man and are completely shattered.'
The organization says around 400,000 accidents involving kids, bikes and cars occur each year, with nearly 300 resulting in death.
With summer break underway and more children outside, Rollins urges families and drivers to stay especially alert.
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'It only takes one split second of distraction for something horrible to happen,' she said.
'Safety may not be on the top of kids' minds, but we need to make sure it is — talk to your children, tell them Noah's story, and honor him by being safe.'
Rollins emphasized that wearing a helmet should never be optional, calling it a non-negotiable part of bike safety.
The Lee's Summit Police Department says the investigation is ongoing, but so far, the crash appears to be a tragic accident.
The school district is offering support resources to students, staff, and community members affected by Noah's passing.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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