Life is full of unexpected changes, some of which can be disastrous. An example of this happened on February 10, 2023, when high school senior and cheerleader Zoe McKinney was out for a walk with her friends. While driving on Moab Road, McKinney lost his balance and fell approximately 30 feet.
According to an official statement from the Moab Police Department, McKinney slipped on a rock and disturbed his friends. They tried their best to get there, but it was deemed too dangerous.
The proper authorities were immediately notified, and search and rescue crews, firefighters and ambulance units made a desperate effort to reach the location above McKinney. This is a terrible incident that has shocked society. McKinney’s friends and family were particularly affected by the incident. A young life cut so cruelly is a tragedy that touches everyone’s heart.
An investigation into the events leading up to McKinney’s fall is ongoing. This incident reminds us that even with an innocent hobby like hiking, we need to be careful and that disaster can strike at any time.
High school student Amber McKinney tragically died while hiking. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital and it took two hours of search and rescue to recover his body. McKinney’s boyfriend, Lloyd Gist, was in Salt Lake City at the time of the accident and was not with her. Gist said she and McKinney had not broken up or dated until a year before his death.
Gist will remember McKinney as a good man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. McKinney has a strong desire to help people and be a caring partner. He was studying to become certified as an EMT, according to his good friend Iris Mason, who spoke to KMTU FOX. Mason described McKinney as someone who was passionate about serving those in need.
McKinney’s unexpected death left her family and community grieving as they mourned a compassionate and hard-working young woman. Following McKinney’s death, the Grand City School District released a heartfelt statement offering condolences and support to the family.
The district scheduled the students to see a therapist on Monday to support the family’s grieving process. The community recognized McKinney as an exemplary student, and the district is committed to honoring his legacy for the remainder of the school year.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help ease the financial burden of funeral costs, with donations reaching $20,838. The campaign later ended. She will be remembered by all who knew McKinney, and those close to her are working to keep her memory alive. Watch the attached video to learn more about the tragedy and how loved ones are remembering McKinney’s life.
