Jamestown ND (Valley News Live) – Days after their 16-year-old son was fatally struck by a semi, a Jamestown family is speaking out to remember him, while calling for safety changes at what they describe as a dangerous intersection.

On January 21, 2026, Jake Stiles was crossing 4th Avenue when he was hit by a semi just yards away from his home.

Stiles’ family says he was walking from Dollar General to get a coke, a favorite treat he enjoyed almost daily.

“I heard my wife scream. I mean, I knew automatically, it was Jake,” his father, Charles, said.

The two went outside after the accident and saw the aftermath.

Anna Stiles, Jake’s mother, explained, “I could see a body there. It was under a tarp, and it just hit. Five minutes later, a police officer came in and asked for identification on my son.”

Jake was pronounced dead at the scene. The 36-year-old driver of the semi was not injured, according to North Dakota Highway Patrol.

Following his death, the Stiles family is calling for pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection where Jake was killed. They said the busy area has been the site of several dangerous accidents over the years.

“There was a little girl who had gotten hit there years ago,” the family said.

They’re pushing for signage or lights to be installed in honor of their son’s death.

“It shouldn’t have been a life taken for them to understand that something needs to be done,” his mom said.

Jake leaves behind four siblings and a large extended family who remember his humor and love for others.

His family said Jake had a passion for video games, building gadgets, and spending time with his friends.

“He taught us how to be people who needed people, and how to help people,” Anna added.

A funeral mass is planned for next Wednesday, January 28, at St. James Basilica Church.

A specific time has yet to be set, but the family confirms the service will be held after school hours so classmates can attend. The event will also be livestreamed.

A GoFundMe and Meal Train has also been set up to help with funeral expenses.