Natalie Hoffberger, a 17-year-old high school senior from Carson, Washington, passed away unexpectedly following a tragic fall during a hiking trip in Skamania County.

Her sudden death has left the community heartbroken and grieving the loss of a young woman whose warmth, intelligence, and radiant spirit touched countless lives in her 17 years.

Born in 2007, Natalie was a proud resident of Carson and a student at Stevenson High School, where she was known not only for her academic achievements but also for her kind and compassionate nature.

A lover of the outdoors, Natalie found peace and joy in nature — hiking, kayaking, and exploring the forests and mountains of the Columbia River Gorge with friends and family. It was in those wild, beautiful spaces that she felt most at home.

Friends recall Natalie as someone who lit up every room she entered. She had a smile that could brighten the darkest day, and a laugh that was pure and contagious.

Whether she was helping a new student feel welcome or organizing a school event, Natalie always led with empathy, humor, and heart. Her teachers spoke of her curiosity and thoughtfulness, and her peers often turned to her for support, encouragement, and understanding.

Outside of school, Natalie was active in community service and deeply involved in local church and youth group activities. She had a strong sense of justice and was passionate about mental health awareness, environmental conservation, and helping others.

Her future was filled with promise — she had dreams of studying environmental science and using her voice to protect the natural world she so dearly loved. Natalie’s death has sent shockwaves through Carson and the surrounding communities.

In the days following the accident, an outpouring of love has flowed in — tributes from classmates, neighbors, teachers, and community members all reflecting the profound impact she had.

A memorial outside her school is now filled with flowers, handwritten notes, and photos — tokens of the love and grief that so many now carry. Her family, devastated by the loss, expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received.

“Natalie was the heart of our home,” her parents shared in a statement. “She was our joy, our dreamer, our steady light. We are broken, but we are grateful for the years we had with her, and we will carry her with us always.”

Natalie is survived by her parents, siblings, grandparents, extended family, and many close friends. She was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, cousin, and friend — someone whose absence will be felt every day, in both quiet moments and celebrations where her laugh and presence are missed.

A candlelight vigil in Natalie’s memory will be held at Stevenson High School’s track on Saturday evening, where classmates, friends, and family will gather to honor her life.

The Hoffberger family has also invited the community to a celebration of life service next week at Carson Community Church, with details to be announced soon.

In honor of Natalie’s love for the environment, her family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to local conservation efforts or mental health programs for youth.

Natalie Hoffberger’s life, though tragically brief, was one marked by love, joy, and kindness. Her spirit will live on in the memories of those who loved her, in the mountains and rivers she explored, and in every act of compassion carried out in her name.