It is with great sadness that we report the death of 17-year-old Zoe McKinney, who fell 30 feet off a cliff while hiking on the Moab Rim Trail in Utah.
The Moab City Police Department reported that McKinney slipped and fell around 4:10 p.m. in the Kane Creek Canyon area. Her friends called 911 and tried to find a way to get down to her, but there was no safe way to do so.
First responders raced to the trail and immediately began working to get to the area above where the teen fell. They rappelled to the teen using harnesses and climbing gear with ropes but upon reaching her, they determined that she had died from the fall.
The Grand County School District confirmed that McKinney was a high school student and that she was a remarkable student and a cheerleader with a big heart.
Her friends described her as a very loving friend who was working on getting her EMT license so she could help people.
Moab Police Chief Jared Garcia expressed his condolences to McKinney’s family and friends and said that he hopes the community will support each other and McKinney’s family during this difficult time.
“Our hearts still ache tremendously for this beautiful young woman’s family and friends,” the department said. “Zoe was a remarkable student and we will honor her memory throughout the remainder of this senior year.”
The loss of a beloved young woman and friend has a devastating impact in any community, but the people of Moab will band together to support and comfort McKinney’s family and friends.
Zoe McKinney will be remembered as a kind and compassionate person who had a passion for helping others.
Her death is a tragedy, and she will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her. The school district has confirmed that therapists will be available at the school on Monday as the school community grieves.
The death of Zoe McKinney serves as a reminder of the dangers that exist in the great outdoors, and it is important for hikers to be aware of their surroundings and to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Our thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends during this difficult time.