Remembering Dania Bashier, 11-year-old girl hit and killed in Henrico while riding bike

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Community members are remembering an 11-year-old girl after she was hit and killed while riding her bike in Henrico County this past weekend.

On Sunday, August 24 first responders arrived on the scene around 11:30 a.m. where Dania Bashier was taken to a hospital after she was hit while riding her bike on Three Chopt Road and later died.  

Dania was with a juvenile male at the time of the crash, but police could not confirm how she knew them. Police said the two were crossing the street but didn’t use a crosswalk. The driver swerved to avoid hitting the male, hitting Dania. 

By Monday, August 25, flowers began popping up along the road. The principal of Tuckahoe Middle School where Dania was a 6th grader, sent a letter to families calling it a "tragic loss."

Flowers along Three Chopt Road in Henrico County in honor of 11-year-old Dania Bashier. (Photos: 8News)

8News spoke to a Brian Saunders, a neighbor of the Bashiers and works at Dania’s former elementary school, Ridge Elementary.

He said the day was a day for remembrance. “She was a light," Saunders said. "One of the students who you look forward to working with and seeing every day. She’ll be truly missed.” 

Saunders said he'd seen her just the day before at their apartment complex's pool.

“When it involves a juvenile, it takes a toll," Henrico County Police Division's Lieutenant Shawn Kopelove said.

He said it was "pretty traumatic" for the first responders but that mental health resources are "readily available" for any first responders and a peer support teams.

Police said neither speed nor alcohol was a factor and the driver has been cooperating. One of the most heartbreaking details police said is that Dania was not wearing protection. 

“With this little girl not wearing her helmet, you know, that probably would’ve saved her life," Kopelove said.

This was the eighth crash involving a bicyclist in Henrico this year, however this was the first fatality.   

These numbers are down from last year’s, with 40 total crashes and two fatalities. But those numbers were up from 2023, with a total of 23 total crashes and one fatality.

With the road’s speed limit already only 35 miles per hour, Kopelove is skeptical it would be reduced. He stated, it’s normal to get traffic complaints in the area, so it’s monitored regularly. 

But for those who know Dania, the day was not easy. “Every time I saw her, she was talking to me," Saunders said. "She always had a story about something that was going on at school.”  

Police said to make sure your bike has reflectors, you follow the rules of the road when riding, use crosswalks and wear high-visibility clothing at night. The police division also hosts Bike Rodeos throughout the year to go over bike safety for kids and adults.

The county had grief counselors at Tuckahoe Middle for both students and staff. Principal Alison Walden's full message to families is below.

"Dear Tuckahoe Middle School Community, 

It is with a heavy heart that I am reaching out to you about a tragic loss. With the permission of her family, I am writing to let you know that one of our 6th-grade students, Dania Bashier, was killed in an accident near our school today. 

Although Dania’s time at our school was short; many of you know her and the Bashier family from the neighborhood. Understandably, the death of a friend and student is traumatic for our students and faculty. I am asking parents and guardians to talk to their children in a manner they deem appropriate. This resource may be helpful: Supporting Your Child Coping with Loss.  

School staff will wrap their arms and resources around our students during this time of sorrow. School counselors and school-based mental health staff will be available tomorrow to meet with anyone who needs support throughout the school day. I will also visit classrooms to check on our students and teachers. Teletherapy and 24-hour-a-day access to mental health services are also available for students, families and staff through our Henrico CARES initiative. Information is available on the HCPS website. 

In times of grief, we naturally want to come together and support one another. However, we would also like to respect the privacy of Dania’s family. You are invited to share your thoughts and remembrances as part of this virtual sympathy card that will be provided to the Bashier family. 

Thank you for keeping the family and everyone who knew and loved Dania in your thoughts.  

Sincerely, 

Alison Walden, Principal"