17-year-old girl falls to death while hiking with friends on Moab Rim Trail in Utah

A 17-year-old girl fell to her death Friday while hiking with friends in Utah, police said. 

The incident happened Friday afternoon when a group of friends were hiking the Moab Rim Trail in the Kane Creek Canyon area, the Moab City Police Department said in a statement. During the hike, the teen, later identified by authorities as Zoe McKinney, "somehow slipped" and fell about 30 feet off a sheer cliff face, police said. 

Friends called police and attempted to get to McKinney, but authorities said there wasn't safe way to reach her. Multiple agencies responded to the scene, and Grand County Search and Rescue personnel were able to rappel down to McKinney who died in the fall. Personnel worked for two hours to recover her body. 

The Moab Rim Trail is a "very tough and popular" trail "adored" by hikers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 

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'A remarkable student'

The Grand County School District in Moab in eastern Utah informed parents and students in a Facebook post of McKinney's death, saying the community was grieving with her family and therapists would be available at on school campuses Monday. 

"Zoe was a remarkable student and we will honor her memory throughout the remainder of this senior year," the district said. 

Moab City Police Chief Jared Garcia said the department extended its condolences to McKinney's family and friends. 

"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 said.

Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jordan_mendoza5.