Ocean City Community Joins to Help Girl in E-Bike Accident

By MADDY VITALE A beloved Ocean City Intermediate School student seriously injured when her E-bike was involved in a collision with a car Friday night is in the thoughts and prayers of the community and beyond. Karissa Kelly, 13, has touched many lives -- from her family to her friends -- at home, in the classroom and on the field as a lacrosse player. And proof of that love and respect for a girl described as strong, determined, competitive and special, is the outpouring of support from those whose lives she’s touched. They have donated to a fundraiser to help her family get through financial difficulties that come with medical care. Here are the ways to donate: Venmo: @THEBMXBOBBRIGADE, PayPal: [email protected] or mail a donation addressed to BMX Bob Brigade, a 501c3, and mail to 37 Bayview Place, Ocean City, N.J. 08226. “The fundraiser came about because in Ocean City, everyone wants to help,” Ray Clark, a captain in the Ocean City Fire Department, said in an interview Monday. “We knew she would be in the hospital for some time. It seemed like the best way to help.” The request for donations was put out on social media. In part, it reads, “We're reaching out to you in a time of urgent need. Our beloved neighbor and a cherished member of our community, an intermediate school 8th grade student and athlete, was involved in a tragic accident and has a very long road to recovery. As a family deeply rooted in our community, it's our turn to rally around them in their time of need. The next several months will be long and arduous, and the financial burden on the family will be immense.” Clark noted that Nick Bricker, a friend who has a nonprofit, was happy to set up the fundraiser. “He is a good-hearted guy and said he would be happy to help,” Clark said. The accident occurred near the Ocean City Intermediate School but was not school-related. Clark was in contact with Karissa’s mother, Helene Kelly, and stepfather, John Preston, who he said were appreciative of the support. Clark noted that the family would receive their first check from the donations this week. “Donations will continue to come in and once we hit whatever number, we will keep making checks to them,” he said. Karissa was with three friends, including Clark’s daughter, Lyla, at the time of the accident at the intersection of 18th Street and Bay Avenue near the Intermediate School. The accident at around 9 p.m. was not school-related. For Clark, a veteran firefighter, it was something too close to home. His crew was on duty the night of the crash. He responded to the scene. Not only does he coach Karissa in lacrosse, but his daughter, Lyla, witnessed the crash. His wife, Sara, rushed to the scene and also saw the tragedy unfold. “When I think about my family and friends – everyone I saw when I got to the scene -- I feel for everybody,” Clark said. Karissa was initially transported to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Atlantic City Campus. She was then transferred to Cooper University Hospital in Camden for treatment. Clark said the entire community is pulling for Karissa, but he knows she is the strong one and she will recover and be back to all that she is good at. “Today I got her lacrosse jersey from her family and sent it along to the Ocean City lacrosse team,” Clark said Monday. “Her jersey is with them. She is on the sideline with them in spirit. And she will play with them next year. She’s a competitor and a fighter and we know she will recover.” Detective Dan Lancaster confirmed on Friday, April 26 that the driver "will not be criminally charged or issued any motor summonses at this time."