Kiara Cheeks has been identified by investigators as the person who died following an early morning crash on Wednesday, May 8 on Briggs Chaney Road in Silver Spring, now her family is reeling.
According to police, shortly before 12:45 a.m. on the morning of the fatal crash, first responders were called to the intersection of the westbound MD 200 ramp and Briggs Chaney Road, where there was a reported two-vehicle crash.
The preliminary investigation determined that a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 driven by Cheeks was traveling eastbound on Briggs Chaney Road when it was struck by the driver of a 2008 Honda Accord that was exiting westbound MD 200 onto Briggs Chaney Road.
Cheeks was taken to an area hospital with injuries that were initially considered to be non-life-threatening, but she later succumbed to the injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Following her unexpected death, the community is rallying around her family as they look to give Cheeks - known as 'Woo" by her loved ones - a proper sendoff.
"Woo was the most caring and lovable person ever ... She always had a smile on her face and she would say something that would definitely put a smile on yours," her cousin said.
In the days following her death, thousands of dollars have been raised on behalf of the family in advance of her funeral.
"She made and impact on everyone she came across because that's the type of person she was.
"Woo was loving, caring, crazy and she was Woo and she will definitely be missed by her family and friends and most of all her 2 beautiful kids that she adored and was so proud of."
Those interested in supporting the family can do so here.
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