Teen girl who died after 30-foot tall identified as Nelson High School student

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The teen girl from Happy Valley who died in the hospital after falling 30 feet while on a hike in Skamania County was identified as a Nelson High School student.

Emily Hoffberger, a 17-year-old who was going into her senior year at Nelson High School, was hiking at Falls Creek Falls near Carson, Wash. when she fell into the creek.

Officials said she was pulled from the creek, and then taken by ambulance to a LifeFlight helicopter.

However, she died from her injuries at a hospital in the Portland area.

“Natalie had a thoughtful and caring spirit, and she will certainly be missed. This loss is felt deeply across our school community,” Nelson Principal Greg Harris said.