The figure skating world is reeling after the tragic death of 12-year-old Kira Meyer, a rising star from South Africa who was fatally injured in an e-scooter crash. Social media has been flooded with tributes for the young athlete, whose life was cut short far too soon.
Kira’s mother, Angelique Meyer, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook on Saturday, May 16, revealing that her daughter had been declared brain dead by three doctors.
“I have been sitting with my phone on my lap for the last 30 minutes to get the words,” Angelique wrote. “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.”
She explained that due to the nature of the accident, the family was waiting for official medical procedures before Kira could be declared deceased. “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.”
The loss has resonated deeply within the close-knit figure skating community, with friends, fans, and fellow skaters expressing their sorrow. Many have turned to prayer and messages of support for the grieving family.
“Praying for God’s presence in that hospital room!” one commenter wrote on Angelique’s post. Another added, “Dearest Angelique Meyer I am so sorry.. I know this doesn’t mean much at the moment…. I pray that Heavenly Father will hold you tight through it all… Thinking of you.”
Kira’s death is a stark reminder of the fragility of life, especially for young athletes with so much potential. The tragedy echoes other recent losses in the sports world, including the hit-and-run death of SUNY Potsdam basketball star Emily Smith and the wrong-way crash that killed UIC track star. Both incidents left communities in mourning and highlighted the suddenness of such tragedies.
As the Meyer family navigates this unimaginable loss, the figure skating community continues to rally around them. One supporter wrote, “May you be surrounded with God’s presence. Very sorry for the hurt you are in. We stay praying for you as a family.”
Our thoughts remain with Kira’s friends, family, and all who were touched by her bright spirit. Though her time on the ice was brief, her memory will endure in the hearts of those who knew her.
