Teen killed playing 'jump the car' game

ROME, Ga. — A vigil is being planned for a Rome teen killed in a car accident.

Kobe Thomas was hit by a car Friday and died from his injuries Sunday.

Demetria Almond said her 16-year-old son was hanging out with friends near Bert Road when they decided to play a dangerous game called, "jump the car."

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"Apparently, you got a person in the car that's driving towards you, it's a timing thing. And of course, a leaping thing or jumping thing and you jump over the car," Almond said.

Kobe Thomas, a star basketball player at Pepperell High School and most recently at Model High School, sustained a traumatic brain injury and died.

Grief counselors were on hand at both high schools Monday to help students cope with the loss.

"To come back to school and one of their friends isn't there, it's just tough for teens and for students," Tim Hensley of Floyd County Schools, said.

Investigators said they are still speaking with the other teens who were at the scene. They said that after they discuss the case with the district attorney's office, they will determine whether or not to file any charges.

"I know Kobe," Hensley said. "Kobe was a very respectful, hard-working young man."

Almond said that although she is grieving, she is at peace.

"Because of my walk with the Lord and I know he didn't take him for no good reason and I just feel like he's an angel now," Thomas said.

A GoFundMe page has been setup to help the family with funeral costs. Over $1,000 has been raised toward its $10,000 goal.

Cox Media Group