Members of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School community are remembering Josh Davis, the 15-year-old from Chevy Chase who police say was struck by a tree and killed while riding his bike on Monday in Rock Creek Park.
Davis aspired to become a pilot and was working on an Eagle Scout project to improve the child development playground outside the high school with flower boxes and other upgrades. The sophomore volunteered with a local nonprofit that sets up recreational activities for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities.
Friends have set up a R.I.P. Josh Davis Facebook page and are hoping to organize a candlelight vigil in the park near the woods where Davis was found on Tuesday afternoon by Montgomery County Police and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services.
Police said his parents reported him missing on Monday night after he did not return from a bike ride. Investigators from the county’s Family Crimes Division searched for Davis on Monday in downtown Bethesda and in Rock Creek Park, two places he was known to frequent, according to police spokesperson Capt. Jim Daly.
MCFRS received a call for an injured person in the woods near the 9200 block of Jones Mill Road around 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday and he was found shortly after. Police suspect the severe storms that passed through the area on Monday could have played a role in the accident.
B-CC principal Karen Lockard called Davis a “bright, beautiful 10th grader,” who will be missed. Davis reportedly had a younger sibling.
In an email to parents sent Tuesday, the B-CC Counseling Department said counselors and other staff members will be available this week to offer support:
Most of you have heard by now the tragic news about the death of B-CC 10th grader, Josh Davis. Apparently, he was struck and killed by a tree yesterday evening when he was out riding his bike.
I want you to know that counselors and other B-CC staff members will be available this week to talk to you, support you, and comfort you if needed. Please come by the counseling office any time.
The death of a young person is especially difficult to deal with. I know those of you who knew Josh are feeling sad, confused, angry and many other emotions. That is normal. Please reach out to others in your grief. It is ok to cry and to feel the pain that comes with loss. There are no words to give meaning to what happened or to ease the pain you feel. All we can do is support each other in our grief. Please reach out to those who are having a difficult time and if you need support, we are here for you.
Wednesday was the second-to-last day of exams at B-CC. The last day of school is Friday.
