Elise Caffee, a well-known Utah-based parenting and travel influencer, has tragically passed away after suffering catastrophic burns in a horrific car accident in Mexico.
The devastating news was shared by her family on March 12 through an Instagram account dedicated to updates on her condition.
“We are absolutely heartbroken to share the news of Elise’s passing tonight,” the post read. “She held on so long and fought so hard against an impossibly difficult set of circumstances.”
A Devastating Crash in Cancun
Elise and her husband, Dan Caffee, had traveled to Cancun, Mexico, on March 6 to attend a wedding when disaster struck, per PEOPLE.
On their way to the hotel, they were caught in a massive 10-car pileup on a freeway. According to a family statement, a truck carrying steaming hot asphalt collided with their vehicle, flipping it over and trapping Elise underneath the wreckage.
“A truck full of hot asphalt hit them, flipping their car, trapping Elise underneath, and dumping steaming hot asphalt on top of her as well as the people in front of the other cars,” a family update on social media recounted.
The tragedy unfolded just outside a hospital, which responders described as a miracle. Medical workers rushed to the scene, desperately trying to help those trapped beneath the wreckage. However, the searing heat of the asphalt made rescue efforts even more difficult.
“Hospital workers rushed out and immediately started trying to help get people out from under cars … but were getting burned through their protective gloves because the asphalt was so hot,” a family post revealed.
Elise’s husband, Dan, later shared a heartbreaking update, writing: “Our driver was killed, and Elise was severely burned. I was uninjured.”
Fighting for Her Life
After being pulled from the wreckage, Elise was rushed to a local hospital, where she was stabilized before being transported to a specialized burn unit in Utah. She remained in critical condition, undergoing multiple surgeries as doctors fought to save her life.
“She’s fighting for her life right now,” a family post read just days before her passing. “She continues to need your prayers.”
In one of their updates, Elise’s family described moments of hope, sharing that she was responsive at times despite her grave condition. “We’ve received hundreds of letters for her, and we can’t wait to start reading them to her,” they wrote.
Her daughters were also able to spend time with their mother in the hospital, bringing her small comforts. “The Caffee girls went in while Elise got her hair washed. Then the girls were able to take turns brushing it and braiding it,” a post shared. “Dan ended the night serenading Elise with his guitar.”
However, despite the medical team’s best efforts, Elise’s condition deteriorated.
The family later confirmed her passing, stating: “Absolutely everything that could have been done for her was done, and we are so grateful she was able to make it back home to say goodbye to her family before leaving us.”
They added: “We believe in eternal families and know we’ll see our beautiful mom, sister, wife, and daughter again.”
A Life Dedicated to Family and Travel
Caffee, a mother of three, was known for her adventurous spirit and passion for family travel. Through her Instagram account, 3KidsTravel, she documented her journeys across the world with her husband and children, inspiring thousands of followers with her belief that traveling with kids was not only possible but rewarding.
Her Instagram bio read: “Expert travel mom who believes you can take your kids everywhere!”
She often shared humorous insights into traveling as a family, including her motto: “Bribes work!”
Elise and Dan had committed to a life of travel early in their marriage, despite being told it would be difficult with children.
“When I had my first baby, people told me I’d have to stop traveling so much,” Elise wrote on her website. “But my husband and I decided we wouldn’t stop. When our oldest was four weeks old, we hopped on a plane to a beach. His next trip was an overnight camping trip in Yosemite, and then we took him to Mexico. Over time, we added two more girls to our family, and we kept traveling and adjusting to life as a family of five. Traveling became our way to connect and bond as a family.”
From Paris to Scotland to Maui, Elise shared her love for travel with her children, and her platform became a place of encouragement for parents looking to do the same.
A Heartfelt Goodbye
Elise’s passing has left an outpouring of grief and support from her online community, friends, and family.
“We’re so grateful for all the prayers and love that have buoyed us up in the last few days and that we know will continue in the days ahead,” her family shared.
In the coming days, the Caffee family plans to share details about a service celebrating Elise’s life.
“Elise touched so many lives,” one follower commented. “Her adventurous spirit and love for her family inspired so many of us.”
In her honor, the family has also been promoting a GoFundMe to help support the family of the driver of the car, Luis. As of this writing, more than $71,000 has been raised.
Following the announcement of her passing, Elise’s social media posts have been flooded with tributes from her fans and loved ones.
“I keep trying to find the words and I can’t, but know our thoughts and prayers are with you,” one person wrote.
Another commented: “Rest in peace gone much too soon! Will keep your children, husband and family in our prayers.”
“Just saw the news. Fly high on your next adventure!! Condolences to the beautiful family,” commented a third.
Our thoughts go out to every family impacted by this tragedy.
