13-Year-Old Driving Stolen Car Kills Virginia Father in Germantown Crash

The crash occurred at approximately 5:25 a.m. on Tuesday at the intersection of Clopper Road and Great Seneca Highway in Germantown, Maryland, according to Montgomery County police.

William Vance Payne II, known to family and friends as Vance, was driving a blue 2007 Toyota Matrix east along Clopper Road on his way to work. Police stated that a white 2015 Kia Optima, traveling north on Great Seneca Highway and driven by a 13-year-old boy, entered the intersection and struck his vehicle. Payne was pronounced dead at the scene.

Inside the Stolen Kia and the Emergency Response

First responders arrived to find both vehicles severely damaged, with one vehicle overturned and the Kia showing extensive impact. Dozens of emergency personnel, including five ambulances, five medic units, and four engines, rushed to the scene near Kingsview Park to get everyone out of those cars.

Investigators confirmed that seven minors, ranging in age from 12 to 15, were packed inside the Kia at the time of the impact. The occupants included four girls aged 14, 14, 13, and 12, alongside two boys aged 15 and 12, accompanied by the 13-year-old driver. Police noted that some were not secure in their seats, with certain passengers sitting on others’ laps.

The teenage driver was transported to a hospital in critical but stable condition. The six passengers sustained injuries of varying severity and were also taken to area trauma centers. Officers later established that the Kia was reported stolen from a Germantown residence several hours after the collision occurred.

Remembering William Vance Payne II

Payne lived in Berryville, Virginia, located in the Shenandoah Valley, and was just minutes away from his workplace when the crash happened. Loved ones noted he was only about three miles—a roughly 10-minute drive—from his job at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, where he had worked for 29 years.

He served as a mechanical engineer in the Engineering Laboratory’s Building Energy and Environment Division.

“His research focused on making residential heat pump and air conditioning systems more reliable, safe and efficient for the homeowners and residents who rely on them. Our thoughts are with Vance’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”

NIST officials, via NBC4 Washington and 7News

Family members and colleagues remembered him for his warmth and generosity. A coworker described him to local media as one of the most warm and friendly people he had ever known, calling him salt of the earth. Payne leaves behind a wife and five children, including a young son, two young daughters, and two adult daughters.

“William Vance Payne II was known as Vance. He was 58. He was kind and generous to a fault.”

Lisa Payne, via NBC4 Washington

Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

Local residents expressed shock over the early-morning tragedy.

“I can’t even be able to imagine one of the family members getting that call, right? Yeah. So that’s kind of where I’m stuck. God — my heart’s out to the family and the other people that were involved in the accident.”

Cleveland Harrison, local resident

Police officials emphasized the grave risks posed by underage driving. Shiera Goff of the Montgomery County Police Department stressed the parental responsibility required to prevent such incidents, noting that at this age, they’re not supposed to be driving.

The county’s crash reconstruction unit is leading the inquiry, which police estimate could take several weeks to months to complete. Once the evidence is fully compiled, it will be handed over to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office to determine what criminal charges, if any, will be filed against the involved juveniles. Meanwhile, an online fundraiser has been established to assist Payne’s family with expenses.