Horror as 2-Year-Old Girl Is Killed by Power Seat in Family’s New SUV

A heartbreaking tragedy in Ohio is raising serious safety concerns after a toddler was killed in what officials are calling a devastating accident involving a vehicle’s power seat.

Two-year-old Lucia Natalia Ayala, from Akron, died after becoming trapped inside her family’s new Hyundai SUV. According to investigators, the child was pinned and suffocated when a power-folding rear seat unexpectedly moved forward while the vehicle was parked outside a Restaurant Depot on March 7.

Family members and bystanders rushed to help as the situation unfolded, and CPR was performed — but it was too late.

Authorities say the incident appears to have been a tragic accident. The medical examiner described the cause of death as a child being compressed by a power folding seat in a parked SUV. Lucia’s father told police the seats seemed to be malfunctioning as they tried to understand what went wrong.

Lt. Michael Murphy described it as a “freak accident,” explaining that somehow a button was activated, causing the seat to move and trap the child.

In a deeply emotional obituary, Lucia’s family shared their grief, remembering her as a joyful, energetic little girl who lit up every room she entered. They called her a “true light,” saying her impact on their lives, though far too brief, would never be forgotten.

The tragedy has now sparked a major safety response. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a recall of roughly 68,500 vehicles across the U.S. and Canada, including certain 2026 Hyundai Palisade and Palisade Hybrid models with higher trim packages.

Officials warned that the power rear seats may fail to detect when a person is in the way, meaning the seat could continue moving even after making contact — creating a dangerous situation, especially for children.

Owners are being urged to use extreme caution until the issue is fixed. Safety officials specifically warn that children should not be in or near the rear seating area when power-folding seats are in operation.

Hyundai Motor America said it is working on a solution and plans to roll out a software update designed to ensure the seats properly detect occupants and objects. The company also expressed its condolences to Lucia’s family.