Utah teen Zoe McKinney falls to death during Moab hike

Zoe McKinney, a 17-year-old Utah teen, died Friday after falling off a cliff while hiking with friends.

The incident occurred around 4:10 a.m. Friday afternoon while the teen and her friends were hiking the Moab Rim Trail in the Kane Creek Canyon area.

According to the Moab Police Department, McKinney slipped and fell about 30 feet off a sheer cliff face. Her friends called 911 and tried to get down to McKinney, but determined there was no safe way to access the area to which she fell.

Rescuers were able to climb down to McKinney, but she had already died. Rescuers needed two hours to recover her body.

“The Moab Police Department wants to extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends,” Moab Police chief Jared Garcia said.

“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,” he added.

Her school district informed students about the situation later Friday.

“The purpose of this statement is to inform you that this afternoon a 17 year old high school student, Zoe McKinney, passed away,” the Grand County School District said in a statement. “The school community is grieving with Zoe’s family and will provide love and support in any way we can, including having therapists available at school on Monday. Zoe was a remarkable student and we will honor her memory throughout the remainder of this senior year.”