MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A fatal crash involving a stolen vehicle driven by a 13-year-old occurred Tuesday in Germantown, resulting in one death.
William Vance Payne, 58, was pronounced dead following the collision at the intersection of Clopper Road and Great Seneca Highway. According to authorities, Payne was driving a 2007 Toyota Matrix eastbound on Clopper Road when a 2015 Kia Optima, carrying seven minors, struck his vehicle.
The Kia, reported stolen, was heading north on Great Seneca Highway when the incident took place. The passengers in the Kia included four girls, aged 12 to 14, and two boys alongside the driver. The 13-year-old driver was hospitalized in critical but stable condition; the conditions of the other passengers remain unspecified.
Investigators are yet to determine what charges may be brought against the minors involved. The Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office stated it is too early for a comment as investigations continue.
Payne was a father of five and an employee of the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg. His employer expressed condolences, highlighting Payne's contributions to enhancing home energy systems.
A statement from Payne's family conveyed their need for privacy as they cope with his loss.