The tight-knit community of Laramie, Wyoming, is grieving the devastating loss of 10-year-old Sawyer Costa, a spirited young girl who lit up the ice rink and the lives of everyone around her. Known for her fiery personality and passion for hockey, Sawyer tragically passed away after being hit by a truck while crossing a residential street on May 24, reported the Daily Mail. She had been out with a friend, selling lemonade that day, just like any carefree summer afternoon.
Emergency responders rushed Sawyer to Children’s Hospital in Denver, hoping for a miracle. But after a traumatic brain injury left her unresponsive, her family was faced with the unimaginable decision to remove life support. Sawyer passed away on May 31.
Her mom, Kim Costa, still can’t fully believe her daughter is gone. “I’m in shock,” she told Cowboy State Daily. Kim shared that she doesn’t know many of the details about the collision. She only knows that Sawyer and a friend were crossing the street when the truck hit her.
“I don’t know if there were cars parked on the side and she couldn’t see the truck, but she very religiously looked both ways usually,” Kim said. “But I don’t know if she did this time. I also don’t know if the truck was going too fast or what.”
The loss is especially painful for the Costa family, who have already endured more than their share of hardship. Just 15 months ago, Sawyer’s father, Brett Costa, was paralyzed from the chest down in a separate car accident. Now, the family is left grappling with another life-altering tragedy.
Kim said explaining Sawyer’s condition to her other children was incredibly difficult. “We just explained that every brain injury is different,” she said. “Sometimes it’s something where you can’t talk, and sometimes it’s physical where you can’t move like you used to.”
As word spread through the community, an outpouring of support followed. The Laramie Amateur Hockey Club, where Sawyer played for the Outlaws, started a GoFundMe to help the Costas cover funeral expenses and give them time to grieve. The campaign has already raised over $35,000 of its $40,000 goal.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share with you that Sawyer passed away on May 31st,” the fundraiser reads. “Your support, love, and generosity during the last week have meant so much. Your continued support will further allow them the time and space to grieve their precious daughter.”
The Laramie Hockey Club has felt the loss deeply. Club President Kristine Ninnemann said the news “just knocks the wind out of you.” “It’s so sad, and for it to happen just almost a year after Brett’s accident, it’s just unfair,” she told Cowboy State Daily.
Her husband, Jim Ninnemann, shared how much Sawyer meant to everyone in the club. He remembered her bright smile and determined attitude. “She had that spark,” he said, clearly emotional. As a tribute, the club will retire Sawyer’s jersey number 6 — a gesture to ensure her spirit stays on the ice forever. “We’ll retire the number this year for the program,” Jim said, his voice breaking.