MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — The Virginia man killed in a crash with a stolen car driven by a 13-year-old has been identified, according to Montgomery County police.Investigators said William Vance Payne, 58, died on Tuesday after the wreck at the intersection of Clopper Road and Great Seneca Highway in Germantown. RELATED | 7 kids in stolen car with no licensed driver involved in deadly Montgomery County crashPolice said Payne was driving a 2007 Toyota Matrix east along Clopper Road when his car was hit by a 2015 Kia Optima with seven kids inside, ranging in age from 12 to 15 years old. Officers said there were four girls, ages 14, 14, 13 and 12, and three boys — the 13-year-old driver as well as a 15-year-old and a 12-year-old. See our previous coverage below:WJLAInvestigators said the Kia, which was later reported stolen, was heading north on Great Seneca Highway when it hit the Toyota.The 13-year-old accused driver was taken to the hospital in critical condition, but was described as stable. The other kids were also taken to trauma centers around the area, but police have not said how badly they are hurt.Investigators have not said what charges the children may face after this crash, saying it was up to the State’s Attorney to make that decision.The Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office told 7News Wednesday it was too early to comment since the investigation is still going on.According to an online fundraiser for the victim’s family, Payne is a father of five who was on his way to work when he was hit. He lived in Berryville, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley.7News reached out to his employer, the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg. Read the agency’s statement below:”Dr. W. Vance Payne II worked at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for 29 years, most recently serving as a mechanical engineer in our 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.”A coworker who visited the accident scene Wednesday afternoon told 7News Payne was one of the “most warm” and “friendly” people he had ever known, describing him as “salt of the earth.” He said the loss was devastating to Payne’s coworkers.7News reached out to Payne’s family. They released a statement.”We are focusing on our family right now as we process the tragic and painful loss of a devoted father, husband and friend to so many. Please respect our privacy at this time.”
