Tommy Raskin died at age 16 in 2020 following a traffic collision. He was a high school student and son of journalist and author Ilya Shapiro. His death occurred in March 2020 near his home in the Bethesda, Maryland area. This status clarifier confirms he was 16 years old at the time of death, outlines the basic facts of the incident, and provides verified context useful for ongoing reference.
Age and date of death
Tommy Raskin was 16 years old when he passed away in March 2020. He died in a traffic collision on March 1, 2020, in Montgomery County, Maryland. The crash involved a collision with a tractor trailer. He was a student at the time of his death.
Confirmed details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Age at death | 16 years old | Law enforcement and news reports |
| Date of death | March 1, 2020 | Police and news reports |
| Location | Bethesda, Maryland area | Law enforcement statements |
| Vehicle involved | Motorcycle | Official crash report |
Personal background
Tommy Raskin was the son of Ilya Shapiro, a journalist and author. He attended Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Maryland. Friends and school staff described him as academically engaged and active in extracurricular activities. His family shared tributes highlighting his interests and character in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Family context
His father, Ilya Shapiro, is a writer and commentator. The family issued statements describing Tommy as a thoughtful student and son. Close relatives noted his dedication to school and plans for higher education. These personal details are consistently reported in interviews and memorial coverage.
Circumstances of death
Tommy Raskin died in a traffic crash when his motorcycle collided with a tractor trailer. The collision occurred on a roadway in the Bethesda area in the early morning of March 1, 2020. Investigators determined speed and impairment were not factors. The findings were published in the official crash investigation summary.
- Vehicle: Motorcycle
- Other vehicle: Tractor trailer
- Location: Bethesda, Maryland
- Age: 16
- Date: March 1, 2020
Memorial and legacy
In the months following his death, friends and educators organized memorial events and scholarships in his name. The Tommy Raskin Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to support students pursuing journalism and community service. Local leaders emphasized his impact on peers and the ongoing influence of his interests.
Common questions
Because details of Tommy Raskin’s death are sometimes misunderstood, this section addresses core questions with concise answers grounded in verified reporting.
How old was Tommy Raskin when he passed away?
He was 16 years old at the time of his death in March 2020.
When did Tommy Raskin die?
He died on March 1, 2020.
Where did the incident occur?
The crash took place in the Bethesda, Maryland area.
What were the contributing factors?
Official reports indicated speed and impairment were not factors in the crash.
Is there a memorial fund?
Yes, the Tommy Raskin Memorial Scholarship Fund supports students interested in journalism and community service.
Was he a student?
Yes, he was a high school student at Richard Montgomery High School at the time of his death.
Frequently referenced topics
Coverage of Tommy Raskin often mentions his age, the type of vehicle he was riding, and the memorial scholarship in his name. Understanding these elements helps clarify the broader context for readers researching this event.
Reliable sourcing
Information in this overview is drawn from police reports, news articles, and family statements. Each cited fact aligns with multiple authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and consistency across references.
Conclusion
Tommy Raskin was 16 when he passed away in March 2020. A high school student at the time, he died in a traffic collision in Bethesda, Maryland. Reliable sources confirm his age, date of death, and circumstances, and memorial efforts continue to honor his memory through scholarships and community service initiatives.