A 15-year-old student has died following a rock climbing accident in South Lake Tahoe, California, prompting an outpouring of grief from his school community and a fundraising effort that has raised more than $36,000 for his family.
The Lake Tahoe Unified School District identified the teenager as Noah Ortega-Pourol, a student at South Tahoe High School, in a statement posted on Friday. “Our hearts remain with the family and loved ones of STHS student Noah Ortega-Pourol, who tragically lost his life in a rock climbing accident,” the district wrote. “Please continue to keep Noah’s family, friends, and our school community in your thoughts.”
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office said deputies found Noah approximately 400 yards from the Eagle Falls Trailhead after he suffered traumatic injuries from a fall while rock climbing. He died despite lifesaving efforts by deputies and medical personnel at the scene.
A GoFundMe campaign created by friends of Noah’s family described him as a boy full of energy and joy. “To know Noah was to feel true happiness, his infectious smile and ability to keep us laughing will be deeply missed by all,” the campaign page read. “Noah was your typical boy, full of energy and chasing adventure. You’d often find him playing sports, cheering on his beloved Raiders and spending time with his friends and family.” The campaign had raised more than $36,000 as of Tuesday afternoon.
