According to reports, a toddler became trapped when a power seat unexpectedly moved, creating a situation that escalated within seconds. Despite desperate efforts to help, the outcome was devastating.
Safety experts warn that powered seats—especially in second and third rows—can pose risks if they fail to detect obstructions or stop properly.
If you drive a vehicle with automatic or folding seats, take a moment to double-check how they work. Never leave children unattended around moving parts, even briefly.
Manufacturers and regulators continue to investigate similar concerns, and updates may follow as more information becomes available.
Sometimes, the smallest precautions can prevent the unthinkable.
Please stay aware and share this with others. 🙏
Two-year-old girl crushed to death by ‘power’ seat in new Hyundai SUV as family suffers ‘unimaginable grief’
A TWO-YEAR-OLD girl has been crushed to death by a power seat in her family’s brand new SUV.
Lucia Natalia Ayala’s parents have been plunged into “unimaginable grief” after their youngest daughter was pinned and suffocated in their 2026 Hyundai Palisade on March 7.
Two-year-old Lucia Natalia Ayala died in a freak accident after being crushed by a car seatCredit: Schlup-Pucak & Wilson Funeral Home
Her tragic death sparked a mass recall of certain 2026 Hyundai Palisade models (stock)Credit: Alamy
The child from Akron, Ohio, was in the back of the family’s new vehicle when the electronic seat suddenly folded down on top of her.
Lucia’s father and bystanders rushed to help pull the child out and begin performing CPR.
The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office told the Daily Mail that Lucia’s tragic death was accidental and caused by mechanical asphyxia.
It appeared a button had been pushed which caused one of the rear seats to move forward and crush her, the medical examiner noted.
While a full medical examiner review is still underway, her death has been noted as a “child compressed by power folding seat in a parked SUV.”
At the time of the incident, the vehicle was stationary in the parking lot of the Restaurant Depot.
Lucia’s father told officers from the Akron Police Department who were at the scene, that the seats were not working properly, as he tried to work out what happened.
Despite pushing a button, the left-side seat did not pull back up, while those on the right operate correctly.
“Right now, I’m trying to put it up,’ he said as he demonstrated the fault.
“It’s not working. I don’t know because we pulled it up so hard or something.”
Lucia’s family have said they are suffering ‘unimaginable grief’Credit: Schlup-Pucak & Wilson Funeral Home
Lt. Michael Murphy told the outlet what exactly is to blame, as he called it a “freak accident where, however the button was pressed, it went down and essentially crushed the child.”
“It is with heavy hearts and unimaginable grief that the family of Lucia Natalia announces her passing on March 7, 2026,” her family wrote in her public obituary.
“Lucy was a spunky, energetic little goofball whose personality filled every room she entered.”
“Though Lucia’s time with our family was far too short, what a blessing it has been to have such a true ‘light’ in our lives, and a light like hers was never meant to shine for just a moment,” it added.
Lucia is survived by her parents Victoria and Arnolodo, and her big sister Valentina, as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Hyundai recall
Lucia’s death sparked a mass recall of around 68,500 2026 Palisades across the US and Canada, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warning that the “power rear seats may trap a person”.
“Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Palisade and 2026 Palisade Hybrid vehicles equipped with a Limited or Calligraphy trim package,” the March 17 notice read.
“The second and third row power seats may fail to detect a person.
“The seat may continue to move after contacting a person during powered seat functions, such as one-touch tilt-and-slide or automatic power fold-and-stow.”
It warned owners to use extreme caution when operating the power seat functions in the second and third rows until the issue is repaired.
“Children are advised to not be in the rear seats or near the rear seating area during power-folding operation,” it added.
Hyundai has extended its deepest sympathies to Lucia’s family.
