Crowds pay tribute to 3-year-old who died in home accident


6 photos
Save Story

Show 1 more video

Leer en español

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

SALT LAKE CITY — Hundreds of people stopped by the Salt Palace Friday night in an overwhelming show of support for BYU assistant football coach Reno Mahe and his family at a memorial for his 3-year-old daughter who died last week after a tragic home accident.

Elsie Mahe's parents and siblings took the stage, focusing not on the last couple of days but on Elsie's short life. They also took the time to thank everyone for their love and support through this tough time.

The celebration of life included performances by those who knew Elsie, and her father talked about someday seeing his little girl in heaven.

"As the plan goes, you want every single one of your kids to make it," Reno Mahe said. "And so for me right now, I am happy to know that one, right now, has made it."

Photo: Jay Dortzbach, KSL TV
Photo: Jay Dortzbach, KSL TV

Elsie was one of eight children. Her siblings also shared special memories.

"My favorite thing about Elsie was her laugh and smile, and how much energy and happiness you brought to our family," one siblling said.

"I would always listen to what she had to say about playing with Barbies or friends, and I'm going to miss her," another said.

Elsie's mother, Sunny Mahe, said her daughter had a big personality.

"Her cartoonishly high voice always had a happy song to sing. And her dainty hands always held in princess position, always ready to make a new friend," Sunny Mahe said. "Elsie's earthly mission was shorter than expected but packed full of love in life."

Related

BYU defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki expressed the team's love and support for the Mahes after Friday's practice in Provo.

"It put a lot of perspective into the season, and the relationships with the kids on the team and our families," Tuiaki said. "It's been an eye-opener, and what has come out of it — the amount of lives that have been touched — has been really, really good."

Many who attended Friday's memorial wore pink dresses and ties in honor of Elsie's favorite color. On display: pictures of the family, Elsie's big pink teddy bear, and her shoes. Her family believes where she's going, she won't need them.

Friday's memorial was open to the public. The family will hold a private funeral for Elsie on Saturday.

Photos

Related stories

Most recent Utah stories

Related topics

Utah
Ashley Moser

    STAY IN THE KNOW

    Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast