Second Child Dies After Being Hit by Vehicle in Raleigh

Raleigh, N.C. — A second child has died from his injuries after being hit by a vehicle in Raleigh Wednesday afternoon.

Basil Shahin, 7, was listed in critical condition after the crash. He died Thursday, according to WakeMed officials.

His brother, Kaled Shahin, 9, also died.

The crash happened at about 4:45 p.m. Wednesday on the corner of Spring Forest and Falls of Neuse roads.

A woman and three children were attempting to cross Falls of Neuse Road, from east to west, when the boys separated from the mother and ran ahead.

The boys were struck by a 1992 Toyota 4 Runner traveling southbound on Falls of Neuse, said Jim Sughrue, spokesman for the Raleigh Police Department.

The third child also ran ahead but was not hit.

“The one thing I could say was, ‘Oh no! Oh no! Oh no!’” witness Sam Townsend said. “They just went flying up in the air and rolling on the pavement."

Police do not plan to file charges against the driver of the vehicle, 57-year-old Catherine Mary Biondi. The mother and children were traveling against the light, which was green for Falls of Neuse traffic, Sughrue said.

“The car coming had the green light and hit them,” witness Cheryl Barbour said.

The police have not released the name of the mother of the children. She did not file a witness report.

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I am deeply saddened by this event and my heart wretches each time I think of the mom. My oldest two children are 9 and 7 - and this could have happened to us as well as anyone else with fun loving & independent children.

Greensboro has an excellent program for 5-6 year olds on Safety Training. http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/Police/Citizens/safetytown.htm. It includes a town-like obstacle course for kids to bicycle through as if they were the cars while others are walking around learning about street safety. I actually took this course myself as a kid and immediately thought about checking into a similar program for area kids in Raleigh this week. I have been unsuccessful in finding something here. Is now the opportunity for Raleigh citizens to organize a safety program for our kids?

amhall
April 4, 2008 9:40 p.m.

Now WRAL needs a story called, "Tragedy Brings Out Self-Righteous Schmucks".

The true human beings posting on this site know this is not the time for analyzing the many different ways to blame this poor mom; she has probably done plenty of that herself by now.

Those who are playing blame games probably aren't aware of how many times they have been a split second away from tragedy, or could be; hopefully they never have to learn the hard way that it can happen to anyone anytime, and someone will always be able to ferret out some kind of blame. Have some compassion, and realize that even if you can find blame, that doesn't mean it's right or necessary. Any lessons learned here are evident, and we don't rely on these self-righteous vultures to turn every tragedy into their forum for digging in the hurt.

Thinker
April 4, 2008 9:18 p.m.

Its ok RKBA...the officer did come to me and apologize. When I told him how many doctors, clinics we had been to before the age of 3 he was most sincere. He even walked my child on the harness to see how he pulled away. Thats why I hurt so much for this mother. Kids do pull away and dart before thinking. Thanks for your support though.

catwoman1
April 4, 2008 7:48 p.m.

To think that there are people out here that want to blame this poor woman is a shame. She has lost two children, the most precious gifts that God ever gives us. In this world no one takes the time to cross streets as they should because everyone is too busy to pay attention to the little things and sometimes even the big things. We are ALL GUILTY of not paying attention to every little detail. I am quite sure this mother taught her children how to cross the street,but as some of you mentioned they were just children doing children stuff. I am deeply saddened for this mother as well as the driver of the vehicle, she is suffering too, it could have been her child or grandchild. People it's past time to get a grip and realize that not only these young children were lost in such a tragic way, but all of the young people that have lost their lives from wreckless and careless driving, drug overdoses and murder. People it's time for us all to pray and pray hard for all kids.

sagi68
April 4, 2008 7:33 p.m.

Thank goodness there are still people like Chris234 in the world today - capable of basic human compassion instead of self-righteous judgements. So many people so quick to blame this woman who is going through an absolute nightmare - it's sickening. And I hope that teacher56 is never a teacher for any of my children, because I don't want someone that cruel to shape their minds.

carolinagirl28
April 4, 2008 6:01 p.m.