Elisha Angelic Macia : “Tragic Hiking Accident: Woman Falls Off Cliff”

A heartbreaking incident unfolded over the weekend in the picturesque surroundings of the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, as a 22-year-old woman tragically lost her life in a hiking accident. The victim, identified as Elisha Angelic Macia, was hiking with friends near the Oneonta Trail when the unfortunate incident occurred.

According to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, the distressing incident took place on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at around 4:20 p.m. Deputies responded to a call reporting that a hiker had fallen from a cliff west of the Horsetail Falls trailhead. Despite efforts made by another hiker performing CPR and the arrival of Cascade Locks Fire & EMS personnel, Macia was pronounced deceased at approximately 4:35 p.m.

Authorities revealed that during the hike, Macia became separated from her friends and tragically fell 50 to 60 feet from a cliff. The circumstances surrounding her fall remain unclear as none of the group members witnessed the incident.

Deputy John Plock highlighted the importance of sticking together while hiking, emphasizing the dangers of going off-trail. He expressed regret over the situation, stating, “If you go off trail, it can be very dangerous. Unfortunately, that’s what happened here. This young lady separated herself from her group, went off trail and ended up falling.”

Following the devastating loss of Macia, a close friend paid tribute to her on Facebook, reminiscing about their cherished memories together. The friend described Macia as a “literal angel” and recalled their special bond from childhood. The heartfelt post expressed deep sorrow over the untimely passing of a beloved soul.

Tragically, Macia’s death marks the second fatal hiking accident in the Columbia River Gorge this year, with a previous incident claiming the life of another hiker in March. The community mourns the loss of these individuals and underscores the importance of safety measures while exploring the natural beauty of the area.