Toddler Killed in Tragic SUV Seat Accident, Hyundai Recalls Thousands of Vehicles

A heartbreaking tragedy in Akron has led to a major vehicle recall after a two-year-old girl died when a power-folding seat in her family’s new Hyundai Palisade reportedly pinned her.

Authorities say Lucia Ayala was in the back seat of the parked SUV on March 7 when an electronic rear seat suddenly folded forward, trapping her. Family members and bystanders rushed to free the child and began CPR, but she could not be saved.

The medical examiner ruled the death accidental. Investigators noted it appeared a seat-control button may have been activated, causing the seat to move and compress the child.

Lucia’s family described her as a bright, energetic child whose presence lit up every room.

Following the incident, Hyundai Motor America issued a recall affecting an estimated 68,500 Hyundai Palisade and Hyundai Palisade Hybrid vehicles in the United States and Canada, according to early reports.

According to safety officials, certain second- and third-row power seats may fail to properly detect a person or obstruction, allowing the seat to continue moving during powered fold or slide functions.

Owners are being urged to use caution and keep children away from rear seating areas while power-folding functions are in use until repairs are completed.

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