Teen riding bike killed after being hit by a driver, prior to a head-on collision in Holly Springs

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (WTVD) -- A teenager who was riding his bicycle died after being hit by a driver early Sunday morning in Holly Springs, police confirm.

Police say the 14-year-old who died was a Holly Springs High School student. The school sent out a message to parents identifying the student as 9th grader Max Dunham.

The message says impart:
"Dear Holly Springs High Families,
It is with great sadness that I write this message to let you know that one of our students, 9th grader Max Dunham died on 10/26/25. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."

The school said they will continue to have staff available at the school to assist students trying to cope with his death.

The crash occurred around 1:40 a.m. on Avent Ferry Road near Holly Meadow Drive and involved a head-on collision between the driver of a Honda Civic and a driver in a Honda Passport. Prior to that collision, police say one of the drivers hit the teen who was riding a bicycle.

Police have not said which driver hit Dunham.

According to police, 16-year-old Ashton H. Rahlfs who was driving the Passport is facing a DWI charge.

There were three other passengers in the SUV. A passenger in the Passport sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital.

The driver of the Civic was taken to the hospital, however, his condition hasn't been released.

Anyone with any information regarding the crash, or the events leading up to it, is requested to contact the Traffic Investigations and Enforcement Unit at 919-577-3110.

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