Classmates remember teen killed on birthday camping trip

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Harrison High School is honoring a teenager killed in a tragic camping accident.

Balloons flew in honor of Joellse Dalgleish, 15. On Friday night, Joelle was celebrating a friend's 16th birthday on top of Red Top Mountain. Joelle was on a hammock when a tree fell and hit her.

Joelle died at a hospital Sunday morning, surrounded by family and friends.

Cross Country coach Jason Scott says there are plans to create a scholarship or name a track meet in honor of Joelle.

“The community of Harrison High School is bigger than one moment,” Scott said. “We as a community will help the family get through.”

On Sunday night, Joelle's parents invited Channel 2’s Chris Jose to a private vigil, hosted by close friends. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

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“Her smile, her soul, everything about her was just amazing,” friend Olivia Hardman said.

Friend Erin O'Reilly told Jose she was the only girl to see the tree fall on Joelle's hammock Friday night.

“Everyone was just crying,  I'm glad people were there, though,” friend Jesse Mitchell said.

Jose asked Georgia DNR if this accident could've been prevented. Jose is told park staff routinely look for potential tree hazards. Why the tree fell is under investigation.

Joelle's celebration of life is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at North Metro Church.

Visitation will take place Wednesday afternoon at Cobb Funeral Home.

Cox Media Group