Just before the tragic death of her three-year-old granddaughter, a woman shared a photo capturing Scarlett Jensen’s final moments.
On October 7, 2022, Scarlett was killed in a hit-and-run while walking with her 2-year-old brother, Henry, and their grandmother in the private driveway of their Oldtown, Idaho, home. The children’s parents were away attending a wedding, and their grandmother had been caring for them.
As the trio walked down the driveway, a speeding Chevy Tahoe struck them. Scarlett’s mother, Samantha Jensen, recalled that her mother screamed and waved her hands, trying to pull the kids out of harm’s way, but the car was moving too fast. Scarlett died almost instantly, while Henry and their grandmother suffered serious injuries.
The driver fled on foot but was later apprehended a few miles away. The driver is currently serving a ten-year sentence.
Henry was airlifted to a children’s hospital after sustaining multiple injuries, including a fractured spine, six broken ribs, a broken jaw, and a liver laceration. Meanwhile, his grandmother, though seriously injured, was able to leave the hospital after treatment.
In the weeks that followed, the family was consumed by grief, but a photo taken just moments before the accident brought a small comfort. Samantha discovered the image while looking through pictures of her mother’s phone, which had been lost after the crash. The timestamp showed it was taken just minutes before Scarlett’s death. The photo was taken after Scarlett had enjoyed ice cream with her grandmother and brother, and just before she asked to pick flowers in the driveway.
Samantha explained, “It’s the last photo I have of her alive.” While it was initially painful to look at, over time, Samantha came to view it as a reminder of her daughter’s vibrant life. She said, “I am so grateful to have that picture. It captures the peacefulness and beauty of her last moments.”
The grieving mother shared her ongoing struggle with the loss: “There are days when I feel like I’m drowning, and other days when I can tread water.” Despite the pain, the family is working through therapy and healing, with faith in God providing comfort along the way.
Samantha now finds peace in knowing that Scarlett’s final moments were filled with happiness, and she will always remember her picking flowers with her beloved grandmother, carefree and joyful.
Rest in peace, Scarlett.