This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The 3-year-old daughter of BYU running backs coach Reno Mahe and former BYU volleyball star Sunny Tonga Mahe was fighting for her life at Primary Children's Hospital on Tuesday evening after suffering a tragic accident Tuesday morning.
Elsie Mahe, one of the couple's seven children, was found hanging by some mini-blinds by a 4-year-old friend who immediately summoned Sunny Mahe. The mother performed CPR and the child was subsequently life-flighted to the Salt Lake City hospital from the family's Lehi home, according to Jeremy Roberts, a family friend.
"Everything that can possibly be done for the little girl from a medical standpoint is being done," Roberts said. "She has the best medical care in the world right now."
Elsie Mahe was sedated and breathing with the help of a respirator Tuesday night and will remain that way for more than 24 hours to allow her brain and body to rest, Roberts said.
The family spokesperson said that dozens of current and former BYU and Utah football players, along with Gov. Gary Herbert had reached out in support of the family during the day.
Herbert's son-in-law, Ben Cahoon, is a receivers coach on the BYU staff and works closely with Reno Mahe. The Cougars are preparing to host Utah State on Saturday in the final game of the regular season.
A GoFundMe account has been set up at http://www.gofundme.com/help-the-mahe-family.
— Jay Drew