Bradyn White Death: How a Car Crash Shook a Small Town and Sparked a Wave of Support
A tragic car accident claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy and injured four other teenagers in New York City on Saturday night. The accident occurred around 10 p.m. near the intersection of 34th Street and Broadway, when a speeding car driven by Bradyn White, a senior at Brooklyn Technical High School, collided with a group of friends who were crossing the street.
According to witnesses, White was driving recklessly and failed to stop at a red light. He hit one of the teens, identified as Jaden Jones, who was thrown into the air and landed on the pavement. The impact caused severe injuries to Jones and three other teens who were with him: Kevin Lee, Michael Smith, and David Chen. They were all rushed to nearby hospitals with life-threatening conditions.
White fled the scene after the crash and was later arrested by the police. He faces charges of manslaughter, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death or serious injury, and endangering the welfare of a child. He is currently being held without bail at Rikers Island jail.
The families of Jones and Lee are devastated by their loss. Jones was described as a bright and cheerful student who loved sports and music. He had dreams of becoming an engineer or a doctor. Lee was his best friend since kindergarten and they shared everything together. He was also passionate about basketball and video games.
Smith and Chen are also close friends who attended Brooklyn Tech with White. They were shocked by his behavior that night and said he had never been in trouble before. They said he seemed nervous and distracted before he left for his date with his girlfriend.
The girlfriend of White, who wished to remain anonymous, said she broke up with him earlier that day after finding out he had lied to her about his grades and his involvement in drugs. She said she felt betrayed by him but still cared for him as a person.
The principal of Brooklyn Tech, Dr. Maria Gonzalez, expressed her condolences to the families of Jones and Lee as well as Smith and Chen. She said she was saddened by the senseless loss of two young lives that could have been so much more if not for this accident.
She also said she was disappointed by White’s actions that night but hoped he would learn from his mistake and face justice.
“We are all heartbroken by this tragedy,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “We mourn for Jaden Jones and Kevin Lee who were bright students with bright futures ahead of them. We also mourn for Michael Smith and David Chen who are dear friends to our school community.”
She added: “We are also concerned about Bradyn White who was involved in this accident but did not stop to help his victims or call for help himself. We hope he will realize how wrong he was to drive so fast and endanger others’ lives.”
She urged parents to talk to their children about safe driving practices and peer pressure.
“Please remind your children that driving is not a game or a way to impress others,” Gonzalez said. “It is a serious responsibility that requires attention, caution, respect for traffic rules, and care for others.”
She also asked parents to monitor their children’s social media activity online.
“Please be aware that some people may use social media platforms such as Instagram or TikTok to share videos or photos that may encourage risky behaviors such as speeding or drinking,” Gonzalez said. “Please educate your children about these dangers and how they can protect themselves from them.”
She concluded: “We will do everything we can to support our students during this difficult time. We will provide counseling services, grief workshops, memorial events, scholarships in honor of Jaden Jones and Kevin Lee and prayers for Michael Smith and David Chen and their families.”
