Falling rock pillar kills 16-year-old celebrating end of school, Utah officials say

A falling rock pillar killed a 16-year-old girl celebrating the end of school, Utah officials reported.

The pillar accidentally fell on the girl while she visited a West Bountiful property, police said in a news release. Rescuers were called at 1:33 p.m. Tuesday, May 23.

Firefighters took her in critical condition to a hospital, where she later died, the release said.

Her family told KSL that Madolin Morley was celebrating the end of school at a pool party and was in a hammock when the rock pillar fell on her.

Police told KSTU that the hammock was attached to the pillar that collapsed.

“We are all saddened by the sudden loss of our sweet Madolin – a kind, caring, and bright young woman who touched countless lives,” uncle Matt Morley told KSL.

A statement from Davis County School District identified her as a student at Viewmont High School, KSTU reported.

“Our hearts are heavy following the sudden death of one of our students,” school officials told the station. “The student was celebrating the end of school with friends and classmates when the tragic accident occurred.”

West Bountiful is a city of 6,000 people about 10 miles north of Salt Lake City.

This story was originally published May 24, 2023 at 10:10 AM with the headline "Falling rock pillar kills 16-year-old celebrating end of school, Utah officials say."