WJ student Alberto Barreto died on Friday, December 11 after sustaining severe injuries during a car crash on November 27. Barreto was riding his skateboard across Montrose Road around 10:00 p.m. when he was hit by a 2012 Toyota Prius being driven by Najeem Amin Jan of Dumfries, Virginia.
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Immediately after the accident, Barreto was taken to the hospital with critical injuries. He succumbed to those injuries two weeks later, dying at the hospital. Jan is yet to be charged in the crash.
WJ Principal Jennifer Baker sent out an email to parents on Friday night letting them know about the death in the school community but did not disclose further information.
“I know these have been very challenging times and please know we are always here for you,” Baker said in her email to students.
WJ counselors held a drop-in time on Monday the 14 for students who wanted to talk about the loss. Students are always welcome to drop in and talk to their counselor if there is something troubling them and they are encouraged to do so.
This is the second time in the past year that a WJ student was hit by a vehicle on Montrose Road. In December of last year, senior Eyal Haddad was hit by a car while attempting to board his bus at the corner of Montrose and Bargate Court. He is still recovering according to a GoFundMe update put out by his parents.
There is growing concern from students and parents about pedestrian safety in the community.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy…unfortunately this extreme situation should be a reminder to students to be extra careful while on Montrose as there is a history of reckless driving,” junior Marissa Krantz said
The Collision Reconstruction Unit of the Montgomery County Police Department is conducting an investigation into the November 27 crash.
