Teen in hammock killed by falling tree
A teenager's birthday camping trip has ended in tragedy in the US when a girl died after a tree snapped in half and fell on her.
US media outlets report the 15-year-old, named Joelle Dalgleish, was in a hammock sleeping when the tree broke before landing on her.
The freak accident happened during a trip to celebrate her friend's 16th birthday on Friday at about 11.30pm at Red Top Mountain in Bartow County, Georgia.
Miss Dalgleish died early on Sunday in hospital surrounded by friends and family - two days after she was left severely injured, according to WSB-TV.
The teenager, who was a student at Harrison High School in Cobb County, had reportedly suffered spinal injuries and a fractured skull.
Erin O'Reilly told WSB-TV, "I was one of the girls sitting around the campfire and I saw the tree fall. I was the only one who saw it. The other girls were facing the other direction."
She added: "We didn't know it hit Joelle, so we went over there, and we were like ‘Can you hear me?’ and that's when Kate said, 'Call 911' and that's when all the girls started coming out of their tents."
Miss Dalgleish's heartbreaking final blog post has now been shared online. In it she said she strived hard to be a good person.
She said: "Every second you spend angry or upset is a second of happiness you can’t ever get back... Life is so short."
The teen had made a positive impact on many. The track coach at the school she attended said she was "one of the sweetest and happiest people you will ever meet."
WSB-TV reports that the beloved teen's mother said she had a beautiful soul and an infectious laugh.
A private vigil was held on Sunday for the teen, where friends remembered the good times they spent with the high school student.
"She had already impacted so many lives, and this event impacts everyone so much more, just to make sure they hold on to everyone close. And just keep praying," Miss O’Reilly said.
On Monday night a community vigil is expected to take place.
It is also reported that grief counselors attended the school on Monday.
A celebration of the Miss Dalgleish's life will take place on Thursday, WSB-TV reports.
