A Utah teenager fell to her death on Feb. 10 while hiking with friends. According to authorities, the girl fell off a sheer cliff face on the Moab Rim Trail.
Zoe McKinney, 17, was hiking in the Kane Creek Canyon area just after 4 p.m. local time, when she slipped and fell off a 30-foot cliff, according to Moab City Police Department.
“Our hearts still ache tremendously for this beautiful young woman’s family and friends,” the department said.
After alerting 911, her friends attempted a descent to get to her, but police advised them not to due to the precarious terrain.
Upon arrival, rescue teams immediately tried to reach the teenager by climbing down the cliff using climbing gear with ropes and harnesses. When they reached her, they found that she had perished in the fall.
For the following two hours, the rescuers worked to recover her body.
It has not yet been determined what caused the girl to lose her footing. According to officials, she was “too close to the edge” in a difficult hiking area.
McKinney was a student at Grand County School District. Upon hearing of her death, the District issued a statement.
“Zoe was a remarkable student and we will honor her memory throughout the remainder of this senior year,” the statement said.
The district added that therapists would be available at the school to help the grieving school community in the following week.
McKinney’s friends described her as a loving friend and cheerleader with a big heart, reported Fox News.
“She was working on getting her EMT license because that’s all she wanted to do was help people,” said Iryss, McKinney’s friend.
In a statement, Moab Police Chief Jared Garcia extended heartfelt condolences to her family and friends, and emphasized the importance of the community supporting each other and McKinney’s family during this time.
“We recognize the devastating impact the loss of a beloved young woman and friend has in this small community, but know that wonderful people of Moab will band together to support and comfort her family and friends at this time,” Garcia said.
Rescue efforts were assisted by Grand County Sheriff’s Office, Grand County Search and Rescue, Moab Fire, and EMS.
