Tragic Loss of 3-Year-Old Kamari Alvarez Leaves Idaho Community Heartbroken: Family Shares Loving Tribute and Urgent Message After Memorial Day Accident

POCATELLO, Idaho  – Heartbreak struck the Pocatello community over Memorial Day Weekend as a tragic accident claimed the life of 3-year-old Kamari Alvarez, a joyful and spirited little girl whose light was extinguished far too soon. As her family grieves this unimaginable loss, they are sharing treasured memories of Kamari’s short but vibrant life, and offering a heartfelt message to families everywhere about the value of life’s simple, fleeting moments.

The fatal incident occurred on Saturday, May 24, in the parking lot of Costco in Pocatello, where Kamari was spending the day with her family. According to officials, the toddler was struck by a pickup truck in the lot. Emergency personnel rushed to the scene and transported Kamari to Portneuf Medical Center, but despite all life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the hospital.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Kamari’s family has turned their grief into remembrance. Her great-uncle, Jorge Luis, shared a touching tribute on behalf of the family in an email to Local News 8, painting a picture of a little girl full of energy, joy, and love.

“A Sassy, Bossy Little Princess”

Kamari, the youngest in her close-knit family, was a beacon of light to those around her. She leaves behind her 8-year-old stepsister, Nova Alvarez, with whom she shared a deep and playful bond. Together, the girls spent countless hours playing outside, jumping on the trampoline, dressing up in princess costumes, and doing each other’s makeup.

“She loved to play with her Barbies,” her family wrote, “and she would ask her grandparents, her uncle, and her parents to join in. She loved anything princess-related, especially Snow White, and adored dressing up in princess pajamas or wearing her favorite Mickey and Minnie Mouse clothes.”

Kamari was known for her big personality, often described by her loved ones as “sassy” and “bossy” in the most endearing ways. Whether it was trying to mimic her grandma’s movements, cooking scrambled eggs with care and curiosity, or dancing to her favorite songs, Kamari filled every room she entered with laughter and delight.

“She especially loved it when her mom would do her hair,” the family added. “She enjoyed getting braids and wearing her little cowgirl boots. Dressing up as a cowgirl brought her so much joy.”

Kamari also had a tender love for animals, often playing with the family’s small dog, Boba, as well as the bigger dogs in the household. Her days were full of play, music, and affectionate moments with her family—memories they now cling to amid their grief.

“Please Hug Your Loved Ones Tightly”

As the family navigates their heartbreak, they are urging others to slow down and appreciate the blessings around them.

“All of our family is heartbroken by this tragic happening,” their message read. “As a family, all we can say is: please hug your loved ones tightly and appreciate the simple things in life and the moments spent together. Our family is the most precious gift God gives us in this world.”

They continued with a message for all parents, grandparents, and guardians: “As we know, kids will be kids—they are so full of energy, and they just go non-stop. Accidents happen. If we knew such tragedies were going to happen, we would give anything in this world to prevent them and save our babies from harm and danger.”

Community Support and Funeral Arrangements

In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family with funeral costs and related expenses. The response from the community has been one of overwhelming compassion and solidarity.

Kamari’s funeral services will be managed by Wilks Funeral Home in Chubbuck. A funeral mass to honor her life will be held on Saturday, May 31 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, located at 376 Roosevelt Street in American Falls. The family welcomes all who wish to pay their respects and celebrate Kamari’s memory.

An Outpouring of Love for a Life Taken Too Soon

Kamari Alvarez may have only had three short years in this world, but her joy, spirit, and love for life left a lasting imprint on all who knew her. In her memory, her family hopes that others will cherish their time with loved ones and be reminded of how precious and fragile life truly is.

As the Pocatello community mourns this heartbreaking loss, Kamari’s legacy will live on through the love she shared, the smiles she gave, and the lesson she leaves behind: to love deeply, appreciate one another, and never take a single day for granted.

For those who wish to support the family, donations can be made through the GoFundMe page created in Kamari’s name. The family expresses their deepest gratitude for the prayers, support, and kindness shown during this incredibly difficult time.