Life can turn from routine to tragedy in an instant, and we deal with loss and grief.
The unthinkable happens when we least expect it, often to those who seem to have everything ahead of them. Zoe McKinney, a beloved high school student known for her cheerleading spirit and caring heart, experienced such a loss while on a trip with friends.
What was supposed to be an adventurous day turned into a devastating event that left her family, friends, and community in shock. The following story is a painful reminder of how fleeting life can be and how quickly joy can turn to sadness.
Life is unpredictable and sometimes it can be shockingly cruel. For 17-year-old Zoe McKinney, a bright high school student and avid cheerleader, an innocent hike with friends took a devastating turn. It’s a tragic reminder of how quickly things can change and how the unexpected can change the course of our lives. This is a heart-wrenching story of a young woman full of potential and kindness, shot too soon.
According to the Moab Police Department, McKinney fell off a steep cliff and her friends were unable to reach her safely. Authorities were immediately contacted and search and rescue teams, along with fire and EMS personnel, worked tirelessly to reach her.
Unfortunately, McKinney died from her injuries and despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. It took search and rescue teams two hours to recover her body.
McKinney’s boyfriend, Lloyd Gist, was not with her at the time of the accident because he was with his family in Salt Lake City. In an interview with NBC News, Gist shared that they were deeply close and could not imagine life without each other. He described her as a kind-hearted, helpful person who always puts others first. The couple had been together for almost a year.
Iryss Mason, a close friend of McKinney, spoke to FOX affiliate KSTU about her desire to help others and noted that McKinney is working on her EMT license.
In response to the tragic event, the Grand City School District released a statement expressing condolences and support for McKinney’s family. The district announced that counselors will be available to students on Monday to help the grieving. The school district also remembered McKinney as a dedicated student and vowed to honor her memory for the remainder of her senior year.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help McKinney’s family with funeral expenses. By the time it closed, the fundraiser had raised $20,838.
To learn more about this heartbreaking event and how McKinney’s family and friends remember it, watch the video below.
The tragic loss of Zoe McKinney has left a deep void in the hearts of her family, friends, and community. Her passion for helping others and her kind and caring nature will not be forgotten. As her loved ones navigate this devastating time, the support from the Grand City School District, friends, and even strangers through a GoFundMe campaign is a testament to the impact McKinney had on those around her. Although her life was cut too soon, her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.