Donations Needed for Burial of 18-year-old Who Died Attempting to Save Cat

Staff Writer

Tuesday, February 28th, 2017

APPLE VALLEY – A young, animal-loving Apple Valley woman died on Sunday night after attempting to assist an injured kitten that was hit by a vehicle.

Authorities said that Emily Cheyenne Sanchez, 18, was riding in a vehicle when the vehicle struck a kitten while driving southbound on Kiowa Road. Concerned for the kitten, Emily asked the driver to turn around so that she could check on it.

“The victim stepped out into the southbound lane of Kiowa Road to tend to the cat and picked up a small kitten that was in the roadway when she was struck by a vehicle traveling southbound,” said Apple Valley Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Trish Hill in a news release. “The driver immediately called 911 and rendered aid until deputies, and fire personnel arrived.” Deputies and emergency medical personnel arrived at the 13800 block of Kiowa Road to find Emily in the roadway. Emily suffered severe head trauma as a result of the collision and was rushed to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center by ground ambulance.

All parties remained at the scene for the investigation. Emily died as a result of her injuries at the hospital. Friends of Emily’s mother, Diane Means-Cox have started a Go Fund Me account to assist with funeral and other costs associated with her young daughter’s untimely death. The collision is currently under investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Region II, Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT). Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Deputy Michael Cashion at 760-240-7400.