A family from Waterloo, Iowa, is dealing with deep grief after three of their children died in a road crash in Kenya earlier this month. The accident happened on January 4 along the Naivasha highway west of Nairobi. Emmanuel DeLeon, 13, and his younger brother Kairu Winkelpleck, 6, died right at the scene.
Their sister Njeri DeLeon, 16, fought for her life in a hospital but passed away on January 16. Parents Leah and Christopher DeLeon survived with minor injuries. They have stayed in Kenya to handle arrangements.
The family was on a vacation in Kenya, visiting roots tied to Leah’s Kenyan background. Reports say the crash involved their vehicle on that busy highway. Details on what caused it remain limited, but road accidents happen often there. The parents now face funeral plans far from home.
Emmanuel was an eighth grader at Hoover Middle School in Waterloo. Friends and teachers remembered him for his positive attitude and bright smile. One family friend called his joy infectious. Kairu attended first grade at Royal Legacy Christian Academy.
People described the little boy as full of energy. Njeri, a junior at Waterloo West High School, had just joined the cheerleading team last year. A former teacher said she was sweet and kindhearted, always ready to help others.
Back in Waterloo, schools held memorials soon after the news broke. Classmates gathered, some in tears, sharing stories about the siblings. Hoover Middle School put out a statement saying the community was heartbroken. They asked for support for the family during this tough time. West High also mourned Njeri’s loss.
A GoFundMe page set up by a family friend has brought in strong support. As of now, it has raised over $66,000 toward a $70,000 goal. Donations came from hundreds of people in Iowa and beyond. The money helps cover medical costs, funerals, and travel. Organizers posted updates, including the sad news of Njeri’s passing. They promised more details on services soon.
Funeral plans are set in Nairobi. A memorial service takes place Friday at the International Christian Centre starting at 10 a.m. The next day, Saturday, a ceremony happens at Kariokor Crematorium from 7 a.m. Family members have held daily meetings at the church in the evenings. No plans for services in Iowa have been announced yet.
This Waterloo family tragedy has touched people in both countries. In Kenya, it highlights ongoing worries about highway safety. In Iowa, it reminds everyone how sudden loss can hit close to home. Friends say the parents are leaning on faith and community help.
Many in Waterloo searched for ways to support the DeLeons after hearing about the Kenya crash. The story spread quickly through local news and social media. Tributes keep coming in, with people sharing photos and memories of the three kids.
Road crashes in Kenya claim many lives each year. This one hit hard because it involved a visiting family with young children. Police looked into the incident, but no public report on fault has come out.
For now, the focus stays on helping the parents through their loss. The GoFundMe continues to accept donations. Community members in Waterloo talk about holding future events to remember the children.
This Iowa family’s story of losing three children in a Kenya road accident shows how fragile life can be. People from Waterloo to Nairobi feel the pain. As services approach, thoughts remain with Leah and Christopher DeLeon.
