A 10-year-old California girl died Monday when she was fatally struck by a runaway SUV while saving two toddlers from being run over as well.
It's not clear exactly how the 1999 Mercedes-Benz suddenly began rolling in reverse down a steep dirt driveway, but local news reports indicate the vehicle may have been put in motion by another child.
Kiera Larsen instinctively shoved 2-year-old Emma and 1-year-old Adison out of the errant vehicle's path, saving them from any injury beyond a few scratches.
The children's mother, Alissa Jenkins, and her fiancé, Jonathan Gusich, say they’ll never be able to repay Kiera for her dauntless heroism.
“She is truly a hero. She will forever be my kids’ guardian angel,” said Jenkins. “She saved both my daughters' lives. These are my two kids that I have and both of them could’ve been gone in an instant and she stepped in and took over and did what she knows best to do -- and that’s to protect those around her.”
"She was a big sister to them. She was always looking out for them and apparently she gave her life for my kids,” Gusich said. “I don’t know how to repay them, repay her. She must have been the guardian angel yesterday and they’re here because of her.”
Kiera was struck by the SUV and thrown through a fence, according to KGTV. Paramedics took her to Sharp Grossmont Hospital where she later died.
Kiera’s school, Blossom Valley Elementary, is providing counselors to students and staff affected by her tragic death.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the Larsen family cover funeral costs.