A young figure skater’s family is facing an unimaginable heartbreak after the girl was declared brain dead following a devastating electronic scooter accident.
Kira’s mother, Angelique Meyer, shared the painful update in a Facebook post on Saturday, May 16, after days of asking supporters to pray for her daughter’s recovery.
“I have been sitting with my phone on my lap for the last 30 minutes to get the words,” Angelique wrote.
She said Kira had been declared brain dead by three doctors the day before, and that her lungs had also failed.
“Although she is still connected to machines, she is already safe at Jesus’ feet,” the grieving mother wrote.
Angelique explained that because Kira’s death was considered an unnatural death, doctors and officials still had tests and procedures to complete before she could be fully declared dead.
She also made clear that her family was not ready to use words like “rest in peace” just yet.
“At this point, we as her parents are still trying to make sense of everything,” she wrote. “We are not yet ready for the post with ‘rest in peace’ or ‘angel wings.’”
Angelique said she and Kira’s father would speak those words when the time was right, once their daughter’s body was no longer connected to machines and an official time of death had been recorded.
The heartbreaking update came nearly one week after Angelique first shared on Mother’s Day that Kira had been admitted to the ICU in a coma after an e-scooter accident.
“She suffered a brain injury and was taken to Milpark Hospital by helicopter,” Angelique wrote at the time.
She said the brain scan had not brought good news, but the family was holding onto faith and asking people to pray that the swelling would go down.
By May 13, Angelique said Kira was no longer sedated, but there had been no real change in her condition.
“Her vitals look normal, heart is still beating, but she has not responded at all,” she wrote.
Throughout the ordeal, Angelique thanked friends, family, and supporters for their prayers and messages as the family waited for updates no parent ever wants to receive.
South African Figure Skating later paid tribute to Kira on social media, calling her “a cherished member of our skating community.”
On Tuesday, May 19, Angelique announced that a memorial service for Kira would be held Friday, May 22, in Pretoria, Gauteng.
“As we all know Kira was loved by all,” she wrote while sharing the service details.
A memorial graphic described Kira as “a beautiful soul, forever loved and deeply missed beyond words.”
“With broken hearts, we invite family and friends to join us as we celebrate the beautiful life of our precious daughter, Kira,” the message read.