A haunting picture has emerged of a former high school hockey star who fell to her death in a tragic climbing accident.
Emmalynn Herbstritt, 21, was canyoneering in Moab, Utah, at Morning Glory Arch on Saturday when she plummeted to her death.
The canyoneering tour guide, who was responsible for abseiling, problem-solving, swimming, and hiking, was found unconscious at the scene and later pronounced dead.
Authorities have not revealed anymore information regarding the 21-year-old's death as her former hockey friends paid tribute to Emmalynn.
The Utah High School Hockey Facebook page said: "The entire Utah hockey community mourns the loss of Emmalynn Herbstritt to a rock climbing accident in Moab Utah.
"Emmalynn was passionate about both nature and hockey. She competed for the Utah Junior Grizzlies and Lady Grizzlies for many seasons.
"She played high school hockey for Brighton as a freshwoman and then for East through graduation. She was an alternate captain for East and recipient for the Art Teece Lady MVP award in 2019.
"Emmalynn is the daughter of Bryan and Misty Herbstritt, both of whom themselves have devoted thousands of hours to Utah hockey as state board members.
"Misty is the current Vice President for Utah High School Hockey. Emmalynn was the older sister to Bentley, a senior for the Salt Lake Stars, and Audrey.
"Emmalynn will be greatly missed."
In a Facebook post on June 11 she posted a picture of her surrounding by bicycles and smiling near a canyon as she captioned the photograph: "Heat + Nature + Adrenaline Rush Activities = The BEST Summer!!"
Kerry Fain, a hockey team mum and friend of the family, said she knew Emmalynn for more than a decade.
She revealed: "(Emmalynn) was just so positive at everything, has her fingers in helping with everything.
"Her and her family, Misty and Bryan her parents, they’re just fantastic.”
Ms Fain also added the hockey star was not afraid of giving the boys a run for their money.
She said: “Emmalynn, she was pretty exceptional. She was even able to go out there and keep up with boys and give them a little bit of their own medicine. She was not afraid of the contact or the play.”
After a stand-out high school hockey career Emmalynn went to college and played for Northern Michigan University, but later left the school to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Northern Michigan University Women's Hockey said in a statement on Sunday: "Emmalynn was a good teammate, a strong defensemen, and an overall great person. The 2019-2020 team has not only lost a teammate but has lost a friend.
"We extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to her family. Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat."
