13-Year-Old Known for ‘Warm Spirit and Kind Smile’ Dies After Freak Accident on Electric Bike

Katharine Montiel/GoFundMe

A 13-year-old boy went for a ride on his electric bicycle on a normal spring day, unaware that tragedy would soon strike. Emiliano Munoz was riding down 5th Avenue West in Everett, Washington, about 4:30 p.m. While riding into a vacant lot, he reportedly struck a braided cord strung between a fence post and a traffic bollard. Emergency responders arrived a short time later and desperately tried to help save Emiliano’s life.

According to a statement from the Everett Police Department, officers and members of the Traffic Safety Unit responded to the accident scene on May 2, 2025. EMS took Emiliano to Harborview Medical Center. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries three days later. The cause of death remains under investigation, but police confirmed the cable has been removed.

Community members, including Mayor Carrie Franklin, shared their sadness with the Everett Herald. “I’m absolutely heart broken about this tragic loss,” Franklin noted in a statement. “Please keep this child’s loved ones and his Explorer Middle School community in your thoughts as they grieve.”

The newspaper reported several classmates gathered at a makeshift memorial near the e-bike accident site on May 7. Emiliano’s classmates wore blue, his favorite color.

“We are saddened to learn of Emiliano’s death and send condolences to his family and loved ones,” Diane Bradford, spokesperson for Mukilteo School District, shared in a statement to the Herald. “The school is supporting staff and students who are grieving the loss of a cherished friend from their school community. It’s a significant impact to all who knew him and the ripples can be felt by those who didn’t.”

Katharine Montiel created a GoFundMe account for the Munoz family to help with Emiliano’s final expenses.

“While riding his electric bike, he struck a dangerously placed metal cable and suffered severe head trauma. After fighting for his life at Harborview Medical Center, he tragically passed away on May 5th. He was a beloved student at Explorer Middle School, known for his warm spirit and kind smile. He was a true friend to many & will never be forgotten,” Montiel explained on the page.

“This GoFundMe has been created to help his grieving family with medical and funeral expenses, as well as to support them through this unimaginable loss that no parent should ever have to go through,” she added. “Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference. Thank you for your compassion and support during this heartbreaking time.”

“I don’t know any of you but I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Hopefully my donation brings a smile to you and your family in some way or another,” one donor wrote. “Only time will heal. You’ll be in my prayers… THANK YOU UMPQUA BANK ALDERWOOD for bringing this to our attention.”

They’ve raised $34,000 of a $50,000 goal thus far.