10-Year-Old Hero: California girl sacrifices life to save two toddlers from a runaway car
Lakeside, California – A tragic incident unfolded on February 22, 2016, in Lakeside, California. A 10-year-old girl, Kiera Vera Larsen, lost her life in a heroic act.
She saved two toddlers from a runaway Mercedes-Benz sedan. The car rolled down a sloping driveway, threatening the children playing nearby.
Kiera’s quick thinking saved lives but came at a devastating cost.
A Heroic Sacrifice
Kiera, born on January 12, 2006, was playing outside her home. She was with 2-year-old Emmah Gusich and 1-year-old Adison Jenkins.
The children were in the 13400 block of Interstate 8 Business. A 1999 Mercedes-Benz sedan, parked on a sloped driveway, slipped into neutral.
It began rolling backward, gaining speed. Kiera, standing on a nearby deck, saw the danger. She sprinted toward the toddlers.
With no time to spare, she pushed Emmah and Adison out of the car’s path. The vehicle struck Kiera, dragging her several feet.
Paramedics rushed her to Sharp Grossmont Hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries.
Alissa Jenkins, the mother of Emmah and Adison, was overwhelmed with gratitude and grief.
“She saved both my daughters’ lives,” Jenkins told Fox 5 San Diego.
“These are my two kids, and both could’ve been gone in an instant. She stepped in and did what she knows best — protect those around her.”
Jenkins described Kiera as “bright, smart, and amazing,” a girl who could “light up anyone’s world.”
Community in Mourning
The Lakeside community reeled from the loss. Neighbors gathered at the accident site, creating a makeshift memorial.
Flowers, candles, and messages piled up, honoring Kiera’s bravery. Terra Ennis, a neighbor, spoke to NBC 7 San Diego.
“We’ve all rallied together as a neighborhood to be there for them,” she said. The tragedy struck a chord in Lakeside, a tight-knit community in San Diego County.
Kiera’s grandfather, Preben Larsen, shared his heartbreak. “It makes me cry, just thinking about it,” he told 10News.
“It brings back bad memories but so many good ones, too. Thousands of good memories.”
Preben keeps Kiera’s memory alive with an engraved marker outside his home. It reads: “Angel in Heaven, Hero on Earth, Forever in our Hearts.”
National Recognition
Kiera’s heroism did not go unnoticed. She was posthumously awarded the Carnegie Hero Medal, a prestigious honor for civilian bravery.
The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, founded by Andrew Carnegie, recognized Kiera among 21 recipients in 2016.
Only four, including Kiera, died in their acts of heroism. The commission praised her selflessness.
“We are humbled by such a young person’s capacity to disregard her own safety,” they stated.
Then-President Barack Obama sent a letter to the Larsen family. “Michelle and I were saddened to learn of your loss,” he wrote.
“Kiera’s spirit will live on in those who mourn with you.” The California State Senate issued a proclamation, calling Kiera a “true hero and guardian angel.”
Blossom Valley Elementary School, where Kiera studied, dedicated its yearbook to her memory.
Investigation Underway
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) investigated the accident. They found critical safety failures in the Mercedes-Benz.
The shift interrupter, which prevents gear shifts without a key or brake, was disabled.
A cable connecting the brake pedal to the ignition was disconnected.
CHP Officer Kevin Pearlstein explained to the San Diego Union-Tribune, “These mechanisms are designed to prevent incidents like this.”
The car rolled at about 10 miles per hour, picking up momentum. Investigators explored whether another child inadvertently set the vehicle in motion.
Questions remain about who disabled the safety features and why.
| Investigation Details | Findings |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | 1999 Mercedes-Benz sedan |
| Location | Sloping driveway, Lakeside, CA |
| Cause | Car slipped into neutral |
| Safety Features | Shift interrupter disabled; brake cable disconnected |
| Speed | Approximately 10 mph |
| Ongoing Inquiry | Determining responsibility for disabled features |
Community Support
The Larsen family faced immense grief and financial strain. They launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs.
The community responded generously, raising over $70,000 in days. “Those who knew Kiera know she was an amazing, beautiful, smart, and funny girl,” the family wrote.
The funds eased their burden, reflecting Kiera’s impact.
Local businesses stepped up. A Lakeside restaurant held a fundraiser, as reported by NBC 7 San Diego. The outpouring of support showed Lakeside’s unity in tragedy.
A Lasting Legacy
Kiera’s story resonates beyond Lakeside. Her bravery inspired countless people, highlighting the courage of youth.
Emmah and Adison, now safe, owe their lives to Kiera. Alissa Jenkins told ABC News, “She will never be forgotten. We will never lose the love for her.”
The Carnegie Medal was presented to Kiera’s family in 2017. Preben Larsen called it “the best Christmas present” for their “guardian angel.”
Kiera’s memory lives on in Lakeside, where her marker stands as a tribute. Her story, covered by outlets like The Independent and Daily Mail, continues to inspire.
Kiera Vera Larsen’s sacrifice reminds us of the power of selflessness. At just 10 years old, she made a profound difference. Her legacy endures, a beacon of hope in a grieving community.
