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Known affectionately as "ZoZo Ru" or "Moo Moo," the 3-year-old’s infectious energy and radiant smile brought joy to everyone who knew her until a fatal crash claimed her life.
Now, her family is left grieving the unimaginable, after a police pursuit ended in a devastating crash in Capitol Heights that took Zoey’s life and injured her mother.
Zoey's grandmother, Gina M. Pryor, remembers the little routines that made her granddaughter so special.
Every visit to Grandma’s house began the same way—her tiny shoes left at the door, her coat tossed wherever she pleased.
"Her loving, helpful, and outgoing personality meant she effortlessly connected with everyone she met," Pryor remembered.
"Zoey had a remarkable ability to light up any room with her radiant smile, and her genuine affection was reciprocated by all who knew her.
“Whenever I called my daughter, her mother, Zoey would eagerly chime in with a cheerful ‘Hi Ma Ma,’ to which I would lovingly respond, ‘Hi Moo Moo.’”
Her bold personality earned her the nickname "Fireball." Zoey wasn’t just a child full of energy—she was fearless, loving, and made instant connections with everyone she met.
"In her short time with us, Zoey taught us the true meaning of unconditional love and the joy found in simple moments," her grandmother wrote. "Her memory will forever remain in our hearts."
The crash that ended Zoey’s life happened on Friday, March 7, around 6:25 p.m. on Addison Road South, when police attempted to stop the driver of an Infiniti SUV in District Heights.
According to the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, the driver initially stopped but then fled, leading officers on a pursuit that ended with a multi-vehicle crash.
Zoey’s mother suffered non-life-threatening injuries, but Zoey was rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The driver of the Infiniti survived and was taken into custody.
Zoey’s family is now left grappling with a loss no parent or grandparent should ever have to endure.
“This unforeseen tragedy has placed a significant financial burden on our family,” Zoey’s grandmother said, noting that the crash has left her mother unable to work, as she recovers physically and emotionally.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and lost wages as the family mourns their bright and fearless little girl.
“We find solace in the promise that ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit’ (Psalm 34:18),” her grandmother said.
Anyone wishing to support Zoey’s family can donate to their GoFundMe here.
"In her short time with us, Zoey taught us the true meaning of unconditional love and the joy found in simple moments.," Pryor added.
"Her memory will forever remain in our hearts, a testament to the profound impact one small child can have on the world around her."
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