Volendam is in deep mourning for 15-year-old Jim who died on Saturday night after being hit by a taxi on his bicycle. The accident happened a stone’s throw from Don Bosco College, where Jim also went to school.
The secondary school opened its doors on Sunday afternoon where dozens of students and teachers comfort each other. The school management says that the schedule of the students can also be adjusted on Monday.
“We wish his parents, sister and brother and everyone who knows him a lot of strength. We can imagine that you feel the need to talk about this with each other. We will offer space for this at school tomorrow. You will receive an e-mail with more information about your schedule. If you need a conversation in the meantime, please contact your mentor,” the school management said on Sunday evening.
Thrown away
Jim was cycling home around 0.30am on Saturday night when he was hit by a taxi on the Heideweg. According to bystanders, he was ‘thrown away’. His bicycle was found 50 meters away. The teenager was resuscitated at the scene. He was then taken by ambulance to hospital with head injuries, where he died later that day.
The police are investigating the cause of the accident. The driver of the taxi, a 27-year-old man from Amsterdam, was arrested and taken to the police station. A blood sample was taken from him there. As soon as the results of the blood test are known, the driver will be questioned.
Condolence
For the relatives it rains messages of support on social media. Many Volendammers place a candle to wish Jim’s friends and family strength. “The worst thing that can happen to you. Losing your child,” someone writes. “There are no words for this”, and: “There is a dark sky over Volendam.”
There is now one too condolence opened for Jim.
(The condolence can be overstretched as many people try to leave a message for Jim and his family)