A remarkable story of survival emerged from Colorado, where a five-year-old girl was found alive after spending more than 24 hours trapped in a wrecked vehicle following a tragic accident that claimed her parents’ lives.
Young Kayce Griffin endured this harrowing ordeal after the car crash that killed 24-year-old Klariza Tarango and 25-year-old Devante Griffin. Their vehicle had overturned, leaving Kayce stranded until authorities arrived.
The vehicle was discovered by the Colorado State Police on Saturday, resting off US Highway 160. This discovery came after a passing motorist reported seeing the overturned truck, as detailed by the Durango Herald.
Though the crash site was initially spotted on Friday, it wasn’t officially reported until the following day. Investigations revealed that the crash involved only their truck, and police suspect it occurred around 6 a.m. on Friday. The remote location made it difficult to notice from the highway.
Despite suffering minor injuries, Kayce’s resilience shone through as she was treated at a hospital and later released into the care of her grandfather, marking a poignant moment of hope amidst the tragedy.
Little Kayce suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital. She was later released into her grandfather’s care.
While the cause of the accident remains unknown, authorities say they have ruled out high speed and impairment as possible factors.
Neither Klariza or Devante were wearing their seat belts when first responders discovered the wreckage, La Plata County Coroner Jann Smith said per the outlet.
Kayce Griffin, 5, spent more than 24 hours in a wrecked truck after her parents, 24-year-old Klariza Tarango and 25-year-old Devante Griffin, died when the vehicle overturned
The wreckage was discovered by Colorado State Police on Saturday off of US Highway 160
In a statement to social media the Upper Pine River Fire Protection said: ‘Saturday‘s discovery of a fatal car crash is both a tragedy and a miracle for the 5 y/o.
‘It weighs heavily not only on our crews but for the family and the public who have suffered a loss, expressed their condolences and offered their prayers.’
Colorado State Patrol also announced that they are investigating the accident, saying that impairment and excessive speed are not being looked into as factors.
A statement added: ‘No charges are expected to be filed in this case.’
A GoFundMe was created by Devante’s mother, sharing photos and details about the horrible tragedy.
‘My son Devante Griffin was in a tragic car accident outside of Mayfield. His truck rolled over, and the accident took both his life and his girlfriend’s,’ Lequette Reed wrote on the fundraiser.
‘Miraculously, my grandbaby survived, but our family has been left heartbroken and overwhelmed by this sudden loss,’ she continued.
According to a separate GoFundMe set up for Devante, the couple leaves behind another daughter, two-year-old Karenza.
Devante Griffin, 25, is remembered as a loving ‘jokester’ who could light up any room
Klariza is remembered as a loving mother
The crash site was reportedly spotted on Friday but was not reported until the next day
While the cause of the accident remains unknown, authorities say they have ruled out high speed and impairment as possible factors
The couple leaves behind another daughter, two-year-old Karenza
He was remembered as a loving ‘jokester’ who could light up any room. Klariza is remembered as a loving mother, per their GoFundMe.
The grieving families said the fundraiser donations will go toward funeral expenses, as well as medical costs for the five-year-old girl who survived.
‘This would mean so much to me and the family because I don’t know how or where to begin,’ Lequetee Reed wrote on the GoFundMe.
‘Thank you in advance for your kindness, support, and prayers.’
The police have not released an update on the investigation, but a memorial with a cross has been placed at the site of the crash.
