Friends, Family Gather On Beach To Celebrate Life Of Young Woman Who Lost Heroin Battle: Photos

SAG HARBOR, NY — "There's so much love on this beach."

The words were heard drifting on the breeze under an impossibly blue sky Saturday as a crowd of friends and loved ones gathered on Long Beach in Sag Harbor to celebrate Hallie Ulrich's beautiful life.

Hallie, 22, died after a battle with heroin addiction.

Dressed in splashes of bright color, her friends hugged quietly, tears in their eyes. They came carrying the bright hula hoops Hallie loved, vivid sunflowers, shiny beads, candles, incense, seashells, starfish, and so many photographs, creating collages of a life lived with smiles, laughter and artistic joy.

Together, those who loved her created a shrine for Hallie, carefully constructed; her friends gathered on cushions and blankets, carrying guitars and drums to honor her memory with song and music. They sat quietly talking, sharing memories, as the last Saturday sunset of summer slipped into the horizon.

Ulrich, a Pierson High School graduate and a gifted artist, was found on the side of a road in East Hampton.

But despite the tragic circumstances of her death, her bright smile and beautiful life will leave a forever mark on the many who loved her, family and friends said. They paid tribute to Hallie with thoughts and memories earlier this week.

This summer, Ulrich had worked in Southampton at a sculpture gallery and had been painting a large cow sculpture, imbuing the work with her innate talent and unique vision, splashing bright colors and vivid flowers that reflected the vibrant clothes and funky styles she favored.

That cow was on brilliant display at the beach, a shining testament to all Hallie created in her short but vibrant life.

The best way to remember their talented, smiling girl is in her own words, her family said. The following is an excerpt from her college essay to Pratt Institute, where she was studying illustration:

"For as long as I can remember, I have loved to draw. When I was young, I was encouraged to be creative. My sister and I used to draw on the walls of my childhood bedroom," she wrote. "We created a whole world on those walls. We would add to it throughout the years, especially on rainy days. As we grew older, the drawings became more detailed, more realistic, and always imaginative. Through my experiences of making art throughout my life, I’ve learned that there is a real beauty in the ability to draw. I’ve found that making art is the best way for me to express myself in a positive way. I’ve also discovered that in art, and in life as well, you should never give up on yourself or your work." The piece was signed Hallie Rae Ulrich, 2013.

"Hallie spent the end of her young life fighting addiction. As a family, we are committed to her beliefs, to helping others, and keeping her in our hearts," her family told Patch.

Their first goal is to award a scholarship to a young artist for art school. The second is to empower a young woman facing obstacles to achieve higher education.

Holly Zappola said she has been forever friends with Ulrich since kindergarten. "She was my first friend," she said.
Her friend, Zappola said, was always smiling, laughing, dancing with fluidity and grace, pursuing her passion of hula hooping.

Her friend, Zappola said, was illuminated from within, sparkling with her very own magic.

"She was a radiant person," Zappola said.

Patch photos by Lisa Finn.