A 14-year-old girl’s life came to a tragic end over the weekend. A freak accident on the beach was responsible for killing Oregon cheerleader Aurora Genai Sheffel.
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According to Oregon Live, Sheffel was taking photos with friends on a log near the water in Bandon, Ore., to kick off spring break. When the tide receded, it dragged the heavy log out from under them. Her two friends jumped off the log, but Sheffel became pinned under it, according to the teen’s stepfather, David Wederquist.
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“They were just taking pictures and posing,” Wederquist told the Eugene Register-Guard.
Emergency crews arrived around 4 p.m. to the South Jetty Park beach, where they learned the victim was playing on the log during a heavy receding tide. Witnesses said the log had rolled on top of the teen. After several attempts, rescuers were able to free her, but after being rushed to the hospital she was pronounced dead.
According to Oregon State Police, the ocean can be strong enough to pick up even very large logs, and they can soak up enough water to weigh tons.
Sheffel’s stepfather said she was a freshman who earned straight As and was recently selected for North Eugene High School’s varsity cheerleading squad.
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The squad posted an emotional tribute on Facebook, saying, “You couldn’t help but smile when you were around her. She was a great big sister and she loved loved loved her little ones.”
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Friends created a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Sheffel’s funeral expenses.
“Everyone loved Aurora and she was a bright and beautiful soul who brought joy to everyone she met,” the GoFundMe page says.