- December 14, 2025
Savanna Mohney ran her fastest two-miles with a time of 13 minutes and 12 seconds on Oct. 16, 2014. It would also be the last time she would take to the race course.
The next day, 14-year-old Savanna and her brother, 11-year-old David Mohney were shot and killed by their father, who later killed himself, at their Port Orange home. Their sister, Lauren, then 9 years old, was also shot but survived critical injuries.
The tragedy had not only shaken the family but Savanna and David's peers and the entire community, according to Spruce Creek Running and Fitness Coach Scott Kirschner, who coached Savanna on the cross country team.
Kirschner, who is also a pastor, performed the funeral services for both Savanna and David.
"It was a devastating day," Kirschner said. "We were just trying to work our way through the tragedy and just doing our best to find healing. Our community really came together and showed support for the mom."
One way Kirschner and the Spruce Creek team have continued to show support is through the Savanna and David Mohney Community 5K and Tribute Walk. Donations from the event go to the Volusia County Domestic Abuse Council and Savanna's Cross Country Running Team at Spruce Creek High. According to Kirschner, they have been able to raise and donate around $2,000, which has gone to the Council.
"It's just a great way for our community to come together and honor the kids and remember."
Scott Kirschner, Spruce Creek running and fitness coach
The 5K takes place at the Spruce Creek High cross country course and the tribute walk will take participant's around the track for 13 minutes and 12 seconds—a way to commemorate Savanna's fastest two-mile time. This year's event will be happening on Saturday, Sept. 2.
"It's just a great way for our community to come together and honor the kids and remember," Kirschner said. "But also show love and support for the mom and sister and the rest of the family."
Kirschner remembers Savanna, who was a freshman, as an up-and-coming runner and a hard worker who pushed herself. Savanna was only with the team for the beginning of the season. Kirschner said David, who at one point ran on an elementary team, was known to friends as fun-loving, outgoing and a jokester who also had a love for rescuing animals.
Savanna would have been a senior this year and David would have been a freshman.
"We want to focus on remembering them and what a positive difference they made," Kirschner said. "It was one of the most difficult years we had but it was also one of the best years we had just because of the closeness we developed. There are bonds formed in difficult times like that."
The Savanna and David Mohney Community 5K and Tribute Walk will take place at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2 at Spruce Creek High. The 5K race is $20 and the Tribute Walk is $15. To register visit raceit.com/Register/?event=41047#!. For more information call 386-986-8434.
