MOAB, UTAH — A community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 17-year-old Zoe McKinney, a beloved high school cheerleader and student, who died following a tragic fall while hiking with friends on the Moab Rim Trail in Kane Creek Canyon.
The accident occurred around 4:10 p.m. on a Friday afternoon, when Zoe reportedly slipped and fell approximately 30 feet from a sheer rock face. Her friends, devastated and unable to safely reach her, immediately called 911. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and used climbing gear and harnesses to reach Zoe, but tragically, she had already succumbed to her injuries.
For over two hours, crews worked carefully to recover her body from the difficult terrain. The Moab City Police Department expressed their condolences in a statement:
“Our hearts still ache tremendously for this beautiful young woman’s family and friends.”
Zoe was remembered as a vibrant and compassionate young woman with a big heart and a drive to help others. A senior at Grand County High School, she was not only a dedicated cheerleader, but also a mentor to younger students. She had plans to pursue a career as an EMT and was already working toward her license.
“She was tiny but mighty,” said Rebecca Monceaux, whose daughter was both Zoe’s teammate and close friend. “She had so much ambition and big plans ahead of her. All of the girls on her team and all of her friends looked up to her as someone they could become one day.”
The Grand County School District paid tribute to Zoe, describing her as a “remarkable student” and pledged to honor her memory throughout the remainder of the school year.
Zoe McKinney’s loss has left a deep void in the hearts of many — her family, friends, teammates, and all who knew her. Her life, though brief, was filled with compassion, leadership, and love. As her loved ones grieve, they hope Zoe’s legacy inspires others to live with kindness, courage, and care for those around them.
May her memory continue to shine as brightly as her spirit did in life.
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