An ordinary evening turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when 8-year-old Nyomi Summers was struck and killed while riding her bicycle to a friend’s house for a sleepover in a north Charlotte neighborhood.
Authorities say the driver, Khaliyal Burney, 23, was allegedly speeding through the residential area when the collision occurred. Reports indicate he was traveling around 35 mph in a 25 mph zone — a stretch known to be filled with children playing and riding bikes.
Neighbors described hearing a sudden impact followed by silence, then shock and panic. Several witnesses said children nearby managed to move out of the road, but Nyomi couldn’t get out of the way in time.
“She wasn’t quick enough with her little legs,” one witness shared, reflecting the painful reality of the moment.
After the crash, Nyomi was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to her injuries. Authorities confirmed the driver was not impaired, but he now faces multiple charges, including misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and driving-related violations.
In the days following the incident, the neighborhood has come together in grief. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes now mark the place where Nyomi lost her life — a reminder of how quickly joy can turn into loss.
Residents say the tragedy could have been prevented, urging stricter caution in areas where children live and play.
Nyomi is remembered as a bright, playful child whose life was cut far too short — leaving behind a grieving community and a call for safer streets.
