Girl, 5, Shows Incredible Resilience After Being Found by Colorado Rescuers

A little girl's survival is leaving many people stunned after a tragic crash in Colorado claimed the lives of both of her parents under horrifying circumstances. But the most chilling part of the story did not become clear until rescuers realized just how long the child had been alone.

Authorities say the crash happened near Bayfield, Colorado, along U.S. Highway 160, after a blue Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck veered off the road and rolled down an embankment.

The vehicle eventually came to rest upside down and badly crushed, making it nearly impossible to spot from the highway.

A Crash Hidden From View

According to The Durango Herald, emergency crews were called to the scene at about 12:35 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, after another driver finally reported what appeared to be wreckage down the hillside.

Upper Pine Fire Chief Bruce Evans said the truck had rolled roughly 40 feet down an embankment east of Bayfield and was "completely totaled."

"It went off on the south side of the highway, right before you get to County Road 526," Bruce said. "It was found down an embankment upside down, crushed."

At first, passing drivers reportedly thought the wreckage was simply debris that had fallen off the road. It was not until someone returned the next day to check more closely that the horrifying discovery was made.

"They just thought it was another crash or another piece of debris that had come off and gone down the hillside, and then the husband came back and checked on it this morning," the fire chief said.

The Family Inside the Truck

The victims were later identified by Tri-City Record as 25-year-old Devante Griffin and 24-year-old Klariza Tarango, both from Farmington, New Mexico.

Their 5-year-old daughter, Kayce Griffin, somehow survived. Investigators believe the crash occurred around 6 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, meaning Kayce may have spent well over 24 hours trapped at the crash site beside her deceased parents before rescuers arrived.

And then came the heartbreaking detail that has left so many people emotional.

The 5-Year-Old Waited Beside Her Parents

According to Colorado Public Radio, Kayce remained inside the wrecked truck throughout the aftermath of the crash. When first responders finally arrived, the little girl reportedly climbed out and began walking up the hill toward them.

"You’d be surprised how resilient children are," Colorado State Patrol spokesperson Hunter Matthews said. "She remained in the vehicle. We assumed that she was comfortable being around her parents."

Kayce was later transported to Mercy Hospital in Durango with minor injuries before being released. The Tri-City Record reported that she has since been reunited with her grandfather.

Questions Still Surround the Crash

Investigators say excessive speed and impairment have already been ruled out as possible causes of the crash. However, officials are still trying to determine exactly what caused the pickup truck to leave the roadway.

"I'm not exactly sure what led to them going off the road or what occurred afterward," Hunter said. Authorities also said neither Devante nor Klariza appeared to be wearing seat belts when emergency crews arrived. Chief Bruce additionally revealed that Kayce was not secured in a booster seat at the time of the crash, despite her age.

"It's absolutely critical that people understand that your kid might get big enough to be out of a car seat, but there's still height and weight requirements for them to be in a booster seat, and a lot of parents are not familiar with the requirements of a child to be in a booster seat versus into [sic] a car seat," he said.

A Family Left Heartbroken

As loved ones continue mourning Devante and Klariza, the family has also been trying to support Kayce after the unimaginable ordeal. A GoFundMe campaign created by Devante's family member, Lequette Reed, described the crash as a devastating loss for the family.

"My son Devante Griffin was in a tragic car accident outside of Mayfield. His truck rolled over, and the accident took both his life and his girlfriend's," Lequette states. "Miraculously, my grandbaby survived, but our family has been left heartbroken and overwhelmed by this sudden loss."

The page continues:

"We are now facing the unimaginable task of saying goodbye to Devante and trying to support each other through this difficult time. The expenses for his funeral have come as a shock, and I am struggling to find a way to give him the farewell he deserves."

"Every little bit of support will help us cover these costs and allow us to focus on healing and caring for my grandbaby," the campaign added. The grieving relative continued, "This would mean so much to me and the family because I don't know how or where to begin. Thank you in advance for your kindness, support, and prayers."

"Your generosity will help us honor Devante's memory and bring some comfort to our family during this painful time," she concluded. At the time of writing, the fundraiser showed there were only 2 days until service, scheduled for May 14, 2026. The campaign had raised $420 of its $600 goal.

Even seasoned first responders appeared shaken by the crash's outcome. The truck was reportedly hidden so well beneath the roadway that nobody realized what had happened for more than a day. Yet somehow, Kayce survived the rollover, the isolation, and more than 24 hours inside the wreckage.

And when help finally arrived, the little girl found the strength to walk toward rescuers on her own.