In Memorium: Mira Costa student Ford Savela was “a beacon of hope”
by Mark McDermott
Two weeks ago on a Tuesday night, Ford Savela, his brother Chase, and another friend were on their way home from the gym when they decided to stop at the Taco Bell on Sepulveda. As they turned, a car came speeding southbound down the boulevard. The resulting collision cost Savela his life. He was 18.
Police responded to the accident at 11:25 p.m. on January 7. Three people were transported to the hospital with injuries. Another of the young men was critically injured but survived. The suspected driver of the vehicle that caused the collision, Kameron Lee Peterson, allegedly fled from the scene but was taken into custody by the Manhattan Beach Police Department on January 9. On January 13, the Los Angeles County District Attorney filed three felony charges against Peterson: murder, hit-and-run causing death or serious injuries, and reckless driving.
The Manhattan Beach Unified School District and in particular the Mira Costa High community has been grieving the loss of Savela. The site of the accident, near 3rd and Sepulveda, has become a shrine to his short but shining life.
“This senseless loss has profoundly affected our community, and our thoughts are with everyone impacted, especially those who knew Ford and his family,” wrote Superintendent John Bowes in a statement sent to the MBUSD community. “Ford was an exceptional student and a cherished member of our community.”

Students stop at the shrine near where Ford Savela lost his life in a tragic accident. Photo by Kenny Ingle
The Savela family — parents Ashley and Jim, and Ford’s older brother — is hosting a memorial for him at the MCHS auditorium on Thursday of this week at 5 p.m. And Tuesday night’s City Council meeting was adjourned in honor of Ford, in a touching tribute in which friends had provided a list of words to describe him. It began, as most descriptions of him do, with “Kind.” And then: “Funny. Outgoing. Smart. Empathetic. Passionate. Joyful. Ambitious.” And finally, “Brother.”
Computer Science and Engineering teacher Ken “Mr. B” Brenan said that Savela was a star academically, but more significantly, in his ability to lift those around him.
“Ford Savela was the embodiment of what every teacher dreams of in a student—brilliant, driven, and compassionate,” Brenan said. “Over the four years he spent in our engineering program, Ford demonstrated an unwavering curiosity and a natural talent for innovation, always eager to tackle challenges and support his peers. His enthusiasm for learning was contagious, inspiring everyone around him to push their limits and strive for excellence. Beyond his remarkable intellect, Ford’s kindness and humility set him apart; he made our classroom a place of collaboration and joy. He wasn’t just an exceptional student—he was a beacon of hope for the future, someone destined to change the world.”
Brenan, who is also the MCHD eSports coach, said that to honor Savela’s legacy at the school, Costa’s eSports MVP trophy will be named after him.
“Though his time with us was far too short, Ford’s impact will resonate in the hearts of all who knew him, and his memory will live on through the lives he touched and the inspiration he left behind,” Brenan said.

Ford Savela and his girlfriend Lana. Photo courtesy the Savela family
Savela attended Grand View Elementary and MBMS prior to MCHS. He was an avid rock climber, a devoted science and tech geek, and a young man with a clear vision of what he wanted to do in life — which was to make a positive impact, both in his community and in the world. He intend to do so one person at a time, and last summer earned his Teen Mental Health First Aid Certification through allcove Beach Cities.
“Though quiet, he was deeply committed to advocating for his peers and creating a better world for young people,” said Cindy Carcamo, Beach Cities Health District Youth Engagement Coordinator.
“He was known for listening to others, even those outside his immediate circle, and he often tutored and supported classmates in AP courses,” wrote Bowes.
“Ford was a sweet, quiet, deep-thinking young man,” said William Brown, an English teacher at Mira Costa.
His friends described Savela as someone had yet another extraordinary gift — the ability to be a deeply caring friend who could transfer his own happiness to those around him.
“Ford was confident and kind, unafraid to be his happiest self,” said his friend Lance.
“Ford was an amazing, compassionate friend with a strong heart. Anybody who knew him knew how much light he had in his soul,” said his friend Ava G., “and how much the world is missing without him.”
A GoFundMe has been launched to establish the Ford W. Savela Legacy of Kindness Scholarship. See GoFundMe.com/the-ford-w-savela-kindness-scholarship