EVERETT—An Explorer Middle School student has died after striking a metal cable while riding an electric bike last week.
The metal cable extended from a residential driveway, between a metal fence post and a traffic bollard, the Everett Police Department informed the Lynnwood Times. The cable was so long that it shows up on Google Maps.
According to a friend of the victim’s family, who asked to remain anonymous, the metal cable was erected by a private resident who lives near the city-owned trail. The resident had been told countless times by neighbors to take the cable down, the source continued.
The Everett Police were not able to comment on whether the resident had permission to erect the metal cable on a city-owned trail as the investigation is still ongoing.
“I’m absolutely heartbroken about this tragic loss,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “Please keep this child’s loved ones and his Explorer Middle School community in your thoughts as they grieve.”
The incident took place on Friday, May 2, around 4:30 p.m., when 13-year-old, Emilano, who goes by the name “Emmy,” was riding an electric bike southbound on 5th Avenue West. He attempted to travel through a grassy lot in the 8808 5th Avenue West to reach an adjacent cul-de-sac when he struck the braided cable, the Everett Police Department said.
The metal cable cut through Emilano’s vocal cords leaving him unable to speak and breathe. He was wearing his helmet during the incident.
The seventh grader then ran back to the mini soccer field to get his friends’ attention while holding his neck. Emilano was seen bleeding from his neck, and he was turning purple due to the impact of the metal cable. After crawling through the fence into the apartments to get his friends’ attention, Emilano lost consciousness, the mother of Emiliano’s best friend told the Lynnwood Times.
One of Emmy’s friends called 911. Everett Fire has confirmed with the Lynnwood Times that it was on the scene within three minutes of being dispatched.
Emilano was transported by emergency personnel to Harborview Medical Center where surgery was performed in an attempt to repair his vocal cords. He remained in a coma until Monday, May 5, when he was pronounced dead, the Everett PD confirmed.
The pole to which the metal cable was affixed is four feet tall, and the 30-foot metal cable attached drooped to only being three feet from the ground. It had small bicycle reflectors a few feet apart in an attempt for visibility.
Everett Risk Management has since been notified. The braided cable has also been removed.
A memorial has been placed near where Emmy was riding his bike – where several of his friends and classmates congregated Tuesday to show their respects.
The boy began attending Horizon Elementary in 5th grade and has been an Explorer Middle School student since starting 6th grade in 2023, the Mukilteo School District said.
Explorer Middle School Principal Kendrah Leone met with students in each of the boy’s classes today to share information about the incident and to inform them of his passing days later.
“In my conversations with students I stressed that any students who are in emotional need should come to the main office for support from a school counselor or other trusted staff member; we also discussed our collective obligation to respect the seriousness of this by not engaging in spreading stories or rumors,” said Leone. “We will continue to stay in communication, as appropriate, with the student’s family, and we will share any additional information the family might wish to share in the days ahead.”
Principal Leone further suggested students who may be experiencing grief to seek counseling from the following resources:
- Grief resources at Work2BeWell – available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese and geared for teens
- Addressing Grief, National Association of School Psychologists
- Addressing Grief, National Association of School Psychologists – Spanish Tips for teens who are grieving
- Snohomish Crisis Services – 1-800-584-3578 or text: 741-741
“We are saddened to learn of Emiliano’s death and send condolences to his family and loved ones. The school is supporting staff and students who are grieving the loss of a cherished friend from their school community. It’s a significant impact to all who knew him and the ripples can be felt by those who didn’t,” said Diane Bradford, Director of Communication for Mukilteo School District.
Editor’s Note:
- Article updated 3:57 p.m., May 7, 2025, with the correct response time of 3 minutes and not 10 minutes to the incident.
- Article updated 11:15 a.m., May 7, 2025, with a comment by Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin.
- Article updated 8:39 p.m., May 6, 2025, with additional pictures and more details of the incident.
