LAS VEGAS — The parents of Torri Mortensen, a senior at Basic High School who died after being struck by an e‑scooter while crossing a marked crosswalk, are speaking out about her legacy and the safety message they hope to carry forward.
Impact on friends and school community
Jacob Mortensen, Torri’s father, recalled the pride he felt watching his daughter enter “the best years of her life” at high school. “Little did we know she had a huge impact on all the kids and friends she met at Basic High School… we’re so proud of the girl she became,” he said.
Torri’s mother, Maranda Mortensen, described an outpouring of love and compassion from neighbors, classmates, and strangers. “We have been surrounded by so much love, so much compassion. I can’t tell you how many people came to the hospital just to be able to say goodbye to her,” she said.
Safety precautions taken
The family noted that they had purchased the e‑scooter for Torri earlier this year and had taken what they described as all necessary safety precautions, including encouraging helmet use. Despite those efforts, the accident occurred when a vehicle entered the crosswalk at the same time Torri was riding.
Plans for a nonprofit
In honor of their daughter, the Mortensens intend to establish a nonprofit focused on e‑device and helmet safety education. The organization will aim to provide resources for schools, parents, and youth groups to promote responsible riding practices and to advocate for safer infrastructure for pedestrians and micro‑mobility users.
Local officials have expressed support for the initiative, noting that recent years have seen a rise in e‑scooter usage across Las Vegas and a corresponding need for public‑awareness campaigns. “We appreciate the Mortensen family’s dedication to making our streets safer for everyone,” said a spokesperson for the Clark County Department of Transportation, who declined to be named.
Community response
Students at Basic High School have organized a memorial gathering, sharing stories of Torri’s kindness and leadership. Several classmates plan to volunteer with the upcoming nonprofit, hoping to turn their grief into positive action.
The tragedy also sparked conversations among parents about the importance of helmet use and vigilant crossing practices. While e‑scooters offer convenient, low‑emission transportation, the Mortensen family’s experience underscores the need for continued education and infrastructure improvements.
Looking ahead
As the nonprofit takes shape, the Mortensens hope it will serve as a lasting tribute to Torri’s spirit and a catalyst for safer streets in Las Vegas and beyond. “We want her memory to help protect other kids,” Jacob Mortensen said, “so no family has to go through what we have.”
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
