Kira Meyer, a 12-year-old figure skater, died a little less than two weeks after a tragic electric scooter accident.
A member of the South African Figure Skating Association, Meyer suffered the accident on May 10 and was airlifted to the ICU at Milpark Hospital.
When Meyer arrived at the hospital, she was in a coma.
“She suffered a brain injury and was taken to Milpark Hospital by helicopter,” Kira’s mother, Angelique, said on Facebook in Dutch, according to translation. “The brain scan did not bring good news, but we know God is in control.
“Please pray with us, the next 48 hours are very important for recovery, and that the swelling will go down.”
After battling for six days in the hospital, doctors pronounced Meyer braindead on May 16.
“I have been sitting with my phone on my lap for the last 30 minutes to get the words,” Angelique Meyer posted early that morning. “Kira was declared brain dead by 3 doctors yesterday. Her lungs also gave in. Although she is still connected to machines, she is already safe at Jesus’ feet.
“This is an unnatural death as the drs explained and tests and processes must be followed before she is declared dead whole. At this point, we as her parents are still trying to make sense of everything and we are not yet ready for the post with ‘rest in peace’ or ‘angel wings.’ We as her parents will speak the words when the time is right, when her little body is no longer connected to machines and when we have a time of death.”
Her brother, Keagan, posted on social media earlier this week to thank everyone for their support during what has been a difficult time for the family.
“As some of you may know, we had to say goodbye to Kira. If anything, the past week has shown us how much she was loved and we all say thank you for all your prayers and support,” Keagan wrote on Facebook on May 18.
The South African Figure Skating Association posted a tribute to Kira on their Instagram.
“Kira was a cherished member of our skating community, and her presence, both on and off the ice, will be deeply missed,” it read. “We extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, coaches, and fellow skaters during this time of great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Angelique said Tuesday that there would be a memorial service honoring her daughter held on Friday, May 22, in Pretoria.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
