Community Rides For Lili: Mother’s Day Event Honors Victim Of Fatal Hit-And-Run

WALDORF, Md. — What began as a devastating tragedy along Route 210 brought together an outpouring of support for a grieving family ahead of Mother’s Day.

The “Lili Strong Support and Harry Washington Memorial Ride” was organized to honor the life of Harry Washington III, who was killed in a May 3 hit-and-run crash in Charles County, and to show support for his 9-year-old daughter, Lili, who was critically injured in the incident. Held on Mother’s Day, the ride brought together motorcyclists, car enthusiasts and community members to uplift the family, raise awareness about motorcycle safety and demonstrate that they are not alone during their recovery and grief.

Community members, motorcyclists and local residents gathered Sunday, May 10, for the event, which centered on both remembrance and support.

The ride followed the May 3 fatal hit-and-run crash in Charles County that claimed Washington’s life and critically injured the child while the two were riding a motorcycle together. Maryland State Police said the crash occurred near Jenkins Lane in Bryans Road when an orange 2013 Dodge Dart allegedly entered the motorcycle’s path before the driver fled the scene on foot.

According to event organizer Brandy Turnbull, the Mother’s Day ride was created to surround the family with visible support during an unimaginably difficult time.

“I’m hosting a support ride for the family on Mother’s Day. All vehicles welcome,” Turnbull said in an interview with The BayNet. “The first leg will be driving past Harry’s mom’s house to let her know we’re here for her.”

The second portion of the ride continued toward Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., where supporters hoped to uplift Lili and her mother, Alexis Neal.

“Second leg will be an up and around to let Lili know we’re praying for her and her recovery and to support Alexis any way we can,” Turnbull added.

Participants gathered at 9:45 a.m. in the Zales parking lot in Waldorf before departing at 10:30 a.m., with a route that included passing Washington’s mother’s home, the crash site and the Accokeek Park and Ride.

Community Riders Reflect On Unity And Purpose

Among those who participated were members of Straight Riders MC, a group focused on community outreach and motorcycle safety awareness.

Edward Jones, vice president of Straight Riders MC, said the ride represented something far deeper than a shared interest in motorcycles.

“As riders, we understand the importance of unity, support and showing up for people during difficult times,” Jones said. “Riding in support of Lili and the Washington family was bigger than motorcycles — it was about community, compassion and letting them know they are not alone.”

Jones said the club regularly participates in community events, from mentorship and charity efforts to safety awareness through its nonprofit, SRMC Situational Readiness Minimizes Crashes.

“This ride reflected our mission because it united riders and community members for a positive cause centered around support, awareness and solidarity,” he said.

He described the experience as emotional and powerful, noting the visible support along the route.

“Seeing riders from different backgrounds come together for one purpose showed the strength of the motorcycle community,” Jones said. “You could feel that unity from start to finish.”

Jones added that the group hopes the family felt the community’s presence and support.

“We want Lili and the Washington family to know that they have a community standing behind them,” he said. “We hope today’s ride showed them that they are not alone and that people genuinely care.”

Jones also expressed appreciation for Turnbull, recognizing her dedication to organizing the event and raising awareness.

Maryland State Police continue searching for the driver involved in the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Justin Zimmerman at the La Plata Barrack at 301-392-1200.

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