GoFundMe Created For Hit-And-Run Victim, Mom Of 1-Year-Old, Who Remains Hospitalized

ABINGDON, MD — A GoFundMe has been created for 21-year-old Amaya Marie Martise of Abingdon who was returning home from Walmart by walking along Tollgate Road when police say she was hit by 25-year-old Lebogang-Ram Motshabi of Abingdon Feb. 9.

On Feb. 10 around 9 a.m., a passerby found Martise lying in the ditch along South Tollgate Road at Aiken Terrance in Abingdon. The Harford County Sheriff's Office stated that Martise was "badly injured" and was flown by medivac to a trauma center. The initial investigation indicated she had been hit by a vehicle and thrown into the ditch around 6 p.m. Feb. 9, which meant she laid in the ditch severely injured until she was found the next morning, the sheriff's office stated.

Lebogang-Ram Motshabi has been arrested and charged with failure to immediately return and remain at the scene of an accident involving bodily injury; failure to report to the nearest police; driving motor vehicle without a license; and driving an uninsured vehicle.

LaTanya Marie, Martise's mother, wrote on the GoFundMe page, "Fifteen years ago, we moved to this area, and since then, Amaya has made it a daily routine to take a peaceful walk near our home. Tragically, last week, this routine walk ended in a horrific accident. Amaya was struck by a car, and the callous driver not only fled the scene, leaving her injured and alone in the cold, wet woods, but was released on a shockingly low $5,000 bail."

"The impact of this accident has been profound. Amaya, a devoted and loving mother to a beautiful one-year-old baby girl, is now facing a long and uncertain road to recovery. While we are immensely grateful that she survived, her medical expenses are expected to be substantial, far exceeding what our insurance will cover. Beyond the medical bills, there's the added burden of securing childcare for her daughter while Amaya heals," LaTanya Marie wrote.

"We are reaching out to our community hoping to lessen the financial strain that lies ahead. Any contribution you could make, no matter the size, would be deeply appreciated and would directly help Amaya and her daughter during this difficult time. However, please know that your well wishes and support are equally valuable, and we completely understand if you are unable to donate," she continued. "Amaya is a resilient woman and despite the trauma she's endured, she possesses a remarkable strength of spirit. We remain hopeful for her full recovery and are working tirelessly to ensure both she and her daughter receive the care and support they need."

Anyone with additional information related to this crash is asked to contact Corporal Shane Fraser of the Special Operations Division Traffic Unit at 443-409-3511.