Oregon State Student Dies After Fall From Scenic Overlook While Taking Pictures

Tragic news serves as a reminder that putting yourself at risk for that perfect snapshot is not worth losing your life.

An Oregon State University student died after sustaining injuries from a fall at Neahkahnie Mountain along Highway 101, according to the Tillamook County Sheriff's Office.

Michelle Casey, 21, and her boyfriend had been taking scenic pictures when she slipped after stepping over a retaining wall and fell 100 feet.

Her boyfriend told deputies Casey landed on a tree along the mountainside that prevented her from falling into the Pacific Ocean.

The Sheriff's office issued a press release saying a rescue team took two-hours to successfully extricate the student.

"Assistance was requested from Cannon Beach for a Rope Rescue and they dispatched a High Angle Rescue Team who arrived at approximately 10:51 AM."

Casey was still breathing when emergency responders flew her in a helicopter to Emanuel Hospital in Portland where she died two hours later from her injuries.

Being an organ donor, Casey was able to save two lives.

Casey was a sophomore student studying kinesiology at Oregon State University in Corvallis.

The university is offering grief counseling to students and staff. Oregon State Vice President of University Relations and Marketing Steve Clark told CNN in an email.

"As a university community, we mourn at the loss of a community member -- and certainly one so young."

The grief-stricken family said:

"Michelle always brought people together with her bubbly personality and loving, giving heart. She loved being outdoors and was at the beach—her favorite place—on Sunday."

"Always active, she held a second-degree black belt in Tae kwon do, played volleyball and beach volleyball, and loved to work out. She loved singing in choir and her Starbucks customers as a barista in both Portland and Corvallis."