Woman Who Died At Wallace Falls Was Pro-Amateur Soccer Player

GOLD BAR, WA - The 18-year-old woman who died this week after falling into the Wallace River at Wallace Falls State Park has been identified as Haylei Hughes. She was originally from Las Vegas, and had come to the Seattle area to play pro-amateur soccer for the Seattle Stars FC, and was an incoming freshman at Highline Community College.

"Seattle Stars FC and the Northwest Premier League are in shock and mourning after the tragic death of player Haylei Hughes on Wednesday night. Haylei was with a group hiking at Wallace Falls in Snohomish County when reports say she fell into the water," the team wrote in a memorial about Hughes.

Stars head coach Chris Wells called Hughes "the most special player I've ever seen at this level."

"I’ve never been closer to a recruit in my four years as a college coach," he said. "She was a kid who you only wanted to help and do anything you can to help her be happy in life. Haylei will never be forgotten and always loved. She will be a part of me for the rest of my life, and for that, I am truly thankful and blessed.”

According to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, Hughes was hiking Wednesday night at Wallace Falls State Park with two friends. They climbed over a safety railing to reach an island along the falls. When the group went to return to the trail, Hughes fell in. A search team found her body on Thursday.

Friends have set up a GoFundMe account in honor of Hughes and to pay for expenses related to her funeral.

Image via GoFundMe