Sawyer Costa’s family will always remember the 10-year-old as a “firecracker” who enjoyed hockey. On May 24, Sawyer Costa was struck by a truck while attempting to cross a residential street in Laramie, Wyoming, resulting in a traumatic brain injury.
Emergency personnel rushed her to Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado, but she never recovered. Her family made the difficult decision to discontinue life support. Her mother, Kim Costa, said she is in “shock” and can’t believe her daughter is gone.
Kim Costa told the Cowboy State Daily that she didn’t know much about the accident except that Sawyer and a friend were selling lemonade that day and were attempting to cross 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,” she informed me. “But I’m not sure if she did this time.” I’m also not sure if the truck was going too fast or not.
Kim Costa stated that she is still processing her daughter’s death. She said it has been difficult to explain the situation to her other children.
“We just explained that every brain injury is different,” Kim Costa said. “Sometimes it’s something where you can’t talk, and sometimes it’s physical where you can’t move like you used to.”
Sadly, Sawyer Costa’s death is the Costa family’s second tragedy in a little over a year. Brett Costa, Sawyer’s father, was paralyzed from the rib cage down after a car accident 15 months ago. The family received overwhelming support from their community, including their hockey family.
Sawyer Costa played hockey for the Outlaws, and the Laramie Amateur Hockey Club set up a GoFundMe to help with final expenses.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share with you that Sawyer passed away on May 31st,” the note accompanying the donation states. “Your encouragement, love, and generosity over the last week have meant so much.
Your contributions have allowed the family to devote their time and energy to Sawyer, for which we will be eternally grateful. Your continued support will give them more time and space to grieve their precious daughter.
Please keep the Costas in your thoughts and prayers as they face this incredibly difficult time.”
They’ve raised more than $35,000 of their $40,000 goal so far.
The death of Sawyer Costa had a profound impact on the Laramie Hockey Club, according to President Kristine Ninnemann.
“It just knocks the wind out of you,” she told the Cowboy State Daily. “It’s so sad, and for it to happen just almost a year after Brett’s accident, it’s just unfair.”
Jim Ninnemann, Kristine Ninnemann’s husband, praised Sawyer’s exceptional talent and drive. He said she had a smile that he would never forget. The club decided to honor Sawyer Costa in a unique way. She wore No. 6, and that number will be hers forever.
“We’ll retire the number this year for the program,” Jim Ninnemann said with a lump in his throat.
Wyoming Highway Patrol Lieutenant Brock Weitzel told the Cowboy State Daily that the incident is still under investigation.
