A GoFundMe page has been established and a fundraiser was held last weekend for the family of 12-year-old Yolanda Ceja, a student who attended PUC Inspire Academy in Pacoima, who was killed in a horse riding accident on July 10.
With a goal of $10,000 to pay for final arrangements for the child, the Go Fund Me page has raised $2,879 in contributions so far.
What began as a happy day for the Ceja family that included horseback riding at the Lake View Terrace Recreation Center, ended tragically when the horse they were riding reared up and fell on top of Ceja and her 4-year-old sister.
“The 12-year-old was pronounced dead and the 4-year-old [was listed in] critical condition at Northridge Medical Hospital,” a LAPD spokesperson said.
Lake View Terrace and Hansen Dam has a large horse community and it’s common for families in the area to introduce their children to horse back riding. It’s reported that the children were supervised and their mother was leading the horse when it “got spooked.”
While loud noises, even cars speeding by honking their horns can cause a horse to get nervous, it’s not known what caused this tragic incident.
On the GoFundMe page, Ceja was described as a child that was known for her sweet disposition. “This was so unexpected … We ask for your help anything will help no donation is small we appreciate every single donation. We will always remember her bright smiling face we know she is in paradise.”
Donations can be made to: https://www.gofundme.com/yolanda-ceja