Olivia Paige Grimes: Florida Teen Falls 100 Feet To Her Death At Christian Camp
The horrific death of a 16-year-old girl who recently died at a Christian camp has captured the attention of thousands of Americans. According to Greenville Online, Olivia Paige Grimes plunged more than 100 feet when she fell out of a zip line swing while attending the Carolina Point — Young Life Camp in Sunset, SC.
Fox News reports that Grimes was a participant in an event called “Freebird” where she, along with two others, were attached to a “a large pendulum swing.” The horrific incident, which reportedly took place on Monday, July 13, was the result of Grimes “coming loose” from the swing. The camp’s manager, Greg Carlton, released a statement detailing the teen’s tragic death.
“We’ve had a tragic accident involving one of our campers. A high school-age camper somehow became detached and fell off of a swing. Camp staff called emergency medical assistance immediately and began administering CPR.”
“All of us at Carolina Point and across Young Life grieve with this young woman’s family and friends. We do not yet know how this occurred. At the moment our focus is on those grieving over this tragic accident.”
Although Grimes received immediate medical attention, Pickens County Deputy Coroner, Gary Duncan, confirmed that she died at the scene. “It’s with deepest sorrow and broken hearts that we let you know that Olivia Grimes, the sixteen-year-old daughter of Pastor Phil and Robyn and sister of Sabrina, passed away on Monday after an accident at a summer camp,” Oasis Church wrote in a statement on the church’s website.
We are full of sorrow at Carolina Point over the tragic accident that occurred yesterday. Please pray. https://t.co/E8aKrGy4Vj
— Carolina Point (@CarolinaPoint) July 14, 2015
Grimes’ body was transported to a local hospital where local officials reportedly ruled her death as an accident. People magazine reports that the “Freebird” is one of several camp rides that includes the use of a zip-line swing. The tragic accident has led to the release of an official statement from the Young Life headquarters in Colorado. The camp reiterated its grave concerns regarding safety and protocol while expressing condolences for the family.
“We have swings at 13 of our camps; all are currently closed as a measure of precaution and to ensure a safe experience for our campers. We do not yet know what happened at Carolina Point. We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident and are doing our best to care for everyone involved,” Mathis said.
The ride has been closed pending an investigation.
[Image via Instagram]
