Teen Dies After Suffering 30-Foot Fall on Moab Rim Trail

() — A Moab, Utah teenager fell to her death Friday afternoon while hiking the Moab Rim Trail in the Kane Creek Canyon area, according to a statement from the City of Moab Police Department.

The 17-year-old slipped while walking with a group of friends and fell about 30 feet (9 meters) off a cliff, police said. Her friends called 911 and tried to help her, but there was no safe way to reach her.

Search and rescue teams quickly arrived and climbed into the area on top of the teen. Using harnesses and rope climbing equipment, they were able to rappel down to the victim, police said.

But the teen had already died from the fall and rescuers worked for the next two hours to recover her body, according to police.

“The Moab Police Department wants to extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” Moab Police Chief Jared Garcia said.

“We recognize the devastating impact the loss of a beloved young woman and friend has on this small community, but we know that the wonderful people of Moab will come together to support and comfort her family and friends at this time,” she added.

The Grand County Sheriff’s Office, Grand County Search and Rescue, Moab Fire, and EMS also participated in the rescue efforts.