Zoe McKinney: Utah girl, 17, dies after slipping 30 feet off Moab Rim trail while hiking
GRAND COUNTY, UTAH: While hiking in Grand County, Utah, a 17-year-old girl Zoe McKinney died after a fall. The youngster was hiking on the Moab Rim Trail with a group of friends in the Kane Creek Canyon region when she slipped and fell 30 feet off a sheer face cliff.
The incident occurred around 4:10 pm on Friday, February 10, according to Moab Police. Her friends called 911 and tried to reach the girl, but could not get to her safely. She was identified by her school as Zoe McKinney.
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How did Zoe McKinney die?
"Moab Police Department, Grand County Sheriff's Office, Grand County Search and Rescue, Moab Fire, and EMS all responded quickly to the area", as per Moab City Police Departments' statement.
They also added, "Search and Rescue personnel, along with Fire and EMS, worked vigorously to climb to the area above the victim. Using harnesses and climbing gear with ropes, they were able to rappel down to the victim. Sadly, she was deceased from the fall."
The police said, "Rescuers worked diligently to recover her body over the next two hours." Extending their sympathy to the family they said, "Moab Police Department wants to extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. We recognize the devastating impact the loss of a beloved young woman and friend has in this small community, but know that the wonderful people of Moab will band together to support and comfort her family and friends at this time." Grand County High School wrote in a post, "Zoe was a remarkable student and we will honor her memory throughout the remainder of this senior year."
'I will miss my beautiful girlfriend'
"I will forever miss my beautiful girlfriend. She was the only one who knew me. I love you so much Zoe and I will forever love you!", Lloyd Gist wrote in a comment on a police post, though it remains unclear if he is the deceased girl's boyfriend. "Lloyd Gist we are all here for you we loved Zoe, she was always everyone's advocate and we will cherish her forever. Let us know if you need anything at all, Avery's Mom," Rebecca Monceaux wrote in reply. "Lloyd Gist I'm so sorry. she was beautiful, strong, and kind," wrote another friend.
"Oh, Zoe - my heart is shattered. You were the most special soul, and the connection you had with Addie was unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed or could have dreamed of for her. Thank you for being her mentor and friend. Thank you for always being such a bright light in our world. Fly (and flip!) with the angels, sweet girl. We will never be the same down here without you," wrote Tara Penner.