Family and friends gathered on February 16, 2024, to pay tribute to Kenzlie Cavasar, a vibrant 7-year-old girl whose life was tragically cut short in a wrong-way crash earlier this month. The second grader at Rogers Elementary had recently earned a place in the gifted and talented program and secured thousands of dollars in college scholarships through her achievements in beauty pageants.
The memorial service took place at The Crossing Church and was attended by approximately 150 relatives, friends, and classmates. Attendees remembered Kenzlie as a spirited “girly girl” who adored accessories and painted nails, yet was equally enthusiastic about outdoor adventures, often helping her mother chase away bugs.
As mourners entered the venue, they paused to pay their respects to Kenzlie, whose casket was open. The room was adorned with floral arrangements in pink, purple, and white, some embellished with jewels and tiaras. A violinist played “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” while Brittani Rowe, Kenzlie’s mother, approached the casket, visibly emotional as she mourned the loss of her daughter.
Tragic Accident Details
Kenzlie was one of five individuals involved in a crash on February 1, 2024, on U.S. Highway 95, near Needles, California. According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of the Chevy Silverado was traveling north at an undetermined speed when he attempted to overtake another vehicle and collided head-on with a Ford Explorer heading south.
The crash resulted in the deaths of both occupants of the Ford Explorer, identified as Robert Bagozzi, 78, and his wife, Wendy Bagozzi, both wearing seat belts at the time of the accident. Kenzlie was also pronounced dead at the scene, while the occupants of the Chevy were not wearing seat belts. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and potential charges will be considered once the inquiry is complete.
Kenzlie had been returning from a family fishing trip at the time of the accident. Following her death, Rodgers Elementary shared a heartfelt message to parents, stating, “It is never easy to lose a valuable life, especially at a young age, and we will truly remember them as part of our Raptor family.”
A Lasting Impact
Kenzlie’s teacher, Ann Sarmiento, attended the funeral and expressed her sorrow in a memory book, describing Kenzlie as remarkably kind. Sarmiento noted that the girl’s bright smile and warm hugs made each day special for her classmates and teachers.
During the service, Pastor Dan Ward spoke fondly of Kenzlie, emphasizing that despite her brief life, she had made a significant impact: “She filled this city with light, with energy, and with more love than most people manage to do over the course of a much longer lifetime.” Kenzlie’s passion for singing and performing was evident in her accomplishments, including holding the title of Nevada State Cover Girl for two years in the National American Miss pageant.
Her mother shared that Kenzlie had a unique sense of style, viewing every trip to the grocery store as a chance to showcase her fashion. “Ballgowns, heels, blush, and accessories were not optional — they were essential,” Rowe said. Kenzlie’s grandmother, Vickie Ann Ingram, recalled their joyful times together, stating, “You made ordinary days extraordinary.”
After the service, family and friends gathered in the church courtyard for a butterfly release, a symbolic gesture celebrating Kenzlie’s spirit. As laughter filled the air, attendees unfolded origami triangles, setting dozens of butterflies free, honoring a girl they described as “like a butterfly,” who brought vibrant colors into their lives.