Lede: Twelve-year-old Jovonn “JoJo” Magee-Thomas was killed on Sept. 21 while riding his e-scooter at Tully Avenue and Hidden Desert Way.
Family and friends gathered at Abundant Life SDA Church on Tuesday to honor his memory. Mourners wore shirts reading “Love Like JoJo,” sharing stories of his kindness and humor.
According to Police, JoJo was struck by a van, marking the 119th traffic-related fatality this year in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department jurisdiction. This incident was part of a troubling trend; another crash on Oct. 23 resulted in the death of a 10-year-old boy and injuries to a 9-year-old near East Butternut and Charnut Lane.
During a campaign announcement on Monday night, Sheriff Kevin McMahill commented on the emotional toll such incidents impose on first responders. “Those men and women had to go out there with that baby and scrape that baby up off the ground because of an e-bike accident,” he said.
So far in 2023, Metro reports five e-scooter fatalities, two e-bike deaths, and over 30 incidents involving motorcycles or mopeds. In response, Southern Nevada cities are tightening regulations, including speed limits and helmet requirements for minors.
Authorities say that North Las Vegas is amending its code to address e-scooter specifics, which are currently classified as bicycles.
The investigation into JoJo's death is ongoing.