A 20-year-old college student is dead after she fell off an Arkansas cliff while posing for a photo.
Briar Cliff University junior Andrea Norton was repositioning herself for a photo while hiking with friends on Saturday when she fell from Hawksbill Crag, a popular hiking trail near Jasper, according to the Sioux City Journal.
Norton, a team member on the university’s volleyball team, was hiking on a trip near Boxley Valley with several of her college friends, her obituary reads.
“Her light, courage and drive is what drew people to her,” the obituary says.
“She inspired those who knew her to be the best version of themselves, helped them reach their own goals and had such compassion for everything… her smile could light up a room and she brought joy to all around her.”
Norton, a biology and environmental science major, was attending the college on a scholarship for symphony choir and women’s volleyball.
“We are saddened by the unexpected passing of our beloved teammate Andrea Norton. #22 on the court, #1 in our hearts. Thank you for the prayers, calls, texts and emails. As Dre would say: Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4 #BattleOn,” the team wrote on Twitter.
According to her obituary, a memorial is being established in her memory at Briar Cliff University.
Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler said the area where Norton died is one of Arkansas’ most-photographed hiking areas. Several people have died in falls there in recent years.
Norton is the second college student this week to fall to her death.
On Sunday, a 22-year-old Fordham student, Sydney Monfries, was taking a picture when she fell from the university’s clock tower.
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