Mira Costa mourns the loss of senior Ford Savela, who passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. An integral part of the Costa community, he will be missed dearly by staff and students.
Ford was born on September 28, 2006, to James and Ashley Savela. A Manhattan Beach native, Ford was an alumnus of Grandview Elementary, Manhattan Beach Middle School, and planned to graduate from Mira Costa this June.
Ford was passionate about astronomy and rock climbing and was the president of the Rock Climbing Club at Costa. He was also an avid member of the eSports team.
Outside of school, Ford worked as a youth coach at Sender One, an indoor rock climbing gym in Westchester. He shared his passion for rock climbing with the next generation and approached everyone he met with enthusiasm and patience.
Ford’s positive influence on his family and friends, as well as everyone he came across at Costa, will be forever remembered. Everyone who knew him agrees that he was an outstanding student and an amazing friend, and his memory will live on in the community.
Ford is survived by his parents and brother Chase, a class of 2023 Costa alumnus. Last night, Mira Costa hosted a celebration of life for Ford at the Mira Costa auditorium. Family members, friends, classmates, and teachers gathered to commemorate Ford and his impact on the community.
Costa community remembers Ford
Compiled by Kit Humbarger/Managing Editor
Ford’s friends and teachers share stories of Ford and his unforgettable presence.
As we look to navigate our way, let us look to Ford. His truest solution is up. Your problems in life are worthy of your persistence, and others are worthy of your attention. Thank you, Ford Savela, for being our rock. We will always be grateful that we can look up to you.
— Mr. Robertson
Ford had a beautiful soul that wanted everyone to feel loved. He always wanted to see people together, and that’s what made him such a vital part of our lives.
— Eric Chu
When I think of Ford, I immediately think of his warm demeanor and genuine personality. He didn’t need to be the center of attention, yet was respected by others because of his transparent and gentle personality.
— Mrs. Martinez-Sellan
Ford was like a big brother to all of us. All he wanted was for everyone around him to be happy, and he was always there to support me during my worst times. He had the most pure heart ever.
— Bora Sepil
Ford is the friendliest person I’ve ever met. He wasn’t afraid to go up to any random person and strike up a conversation. He was just so kind and charming; everyone loved being around him.
— Lane Stoddard
I could tell from the first few interactions I had with Ford that he was a deeply compassionate and sensitive person. His kindness came through almost as a tangible force. My students and I greatly miss his presence, and yet we are grateful for the time he spent among us and the memories we have.
— Ms. Ford
It is uncommon to sense from someone a pure essence of good, and Ford was just that. He was just good.
— Mr. Waserman
Ford was one of my safe people. I knew I could count on him no matter what, and for that, I am forever grateful. Thank you, Ford, for being such a light in my life.
— Cat Kochy
He wasn’t just an exceptional student—he was a beacon of hope for the future, someone destined to change the world.
— Mr. Brenan
Ford was surrounded by lots of family and friends because of his free-spirited personality. He was warm, welcoming, and sincere to anybody that met him. All we can do now is honor him in the best way by sharing his memories and living a life full of love, just as he wanted.
— Mr. Kurz
Ford was one of the kindest and most genuine people I knew. He was one of those people that you could talk to about anything. No matter how much time had passed, he was always there for others.
— Miranda Johnson
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