[ Originally published on: Thursday, January 03, 2008 in the Daily Hampshire Gazette ]

NORTHAMPTON – Miles Dudley Adams, 18, died Dec. 30 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield from injuries incurred after being struck by a motor vehicle on Interstate 91.

Born in Northampton on March 20, 1989, Miles lived the first seven years of his life in Haydenville, where he attended the Helen E. James School. After moving to Northampton in 1996, he attended Bridge Street School and John F. Kennedy Middle School. Miles graduated from Northampton High School in 2007 and was a freshman at Fitchburg State College, where he had been accepted into the Film and Video program. Miles was an honor student and talented athlete. He played soccer for the Northampton Soccer League and the Northampton High School soccer team. Nicknamed the “Phoenix” by his teammates for his speed and quickness on the field, Miles was named to the second team Gazette All-Stars last January. At Fitchburg State, he played on the school’s NCAA Division III men’s soccer team. Miles was also a devoted student of karate, and was working on obtaining his black belt. In addition to his athletic ability, Miles possessed tremendous artistic talent. During his lifetime, he drew, played the guitar, acted, and made several short films. During high school, he was known for making humorous videos played to great acclaim at school film festivals. Miles was one of 14 winners in a 2005 contest, Art Outside the Box, sponsored by the Gazette as part of Northampton’s 350th anniversary.

Miles was known for finding the silver lining in any situation, and for a great sense of humor that brought lots of smiles and laughter to his many friends and family. His generous spirit and warm heart were a gift to all.

Miles leaves his loving family: his father, Russell Adams, mother Nina Dudley and sister India Adams; his aunts and uncles, Peter Adams, Nathaniel and Natalia Adams, Katy Adams, C.J. and Hannah Adams-Collier, Justin Dudley and Robin Kennedy, Lisa and Ash Welch; his two grandmothers, Jacqueline Dudley and Norma Adams, and his grandfather, J.R. Adams; his cousins and many loving friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Northampton Elks Lodge 997 on Spring Street in Florence. Burial in Bridge Street Cemetery will be private and at the convenience of the family. Czelusniak Funeral Home of Northampton is handling the funeral arrangements. In memory of Miles, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Miles Dudley Adams Scholarship Fund for the Arts, Northampton High School, Elm St., Northampton, MA, 01060.