‘Our Shining Light': Escondido Teen Who Fell 60 Feet Off Arizona Mountain Dies, Family Says in Statement

"She is the best person I have ever met," the Grand Canyon University student's family said in a statement

An Escondido teen who fell more than 60 feet down a mountain in Arizona has died, a family statement said

Makayla Castro, 18, suffered a head injury and several broken bones when she fell while rock climbing April 20.

"We want to thank you all for loving, supporting and praying over Makayla," the family statement read. "She fought so hard, but her injuries were just too much for her to overcome."

The Grand Canyon University student was in a medically-induced coma at a hospital in Arizona for several days before she succumbed to her injuries.

Her parents, Allison and Larry Castro, remember her in the statement.

"Makayla was the most amazing daughter, who always did the right thing and she was always mindful of being a good person no matter the circumstance," the statement read.

Her family said they find comfort knowing she is in heaven, and miss their "perfect, sweet" daughter, sister, niece, and best friend. 

"She was our shining light who shined brighter then I ever thought was possible and most importantly, anyone that ever met her knew she loved the Lord," the statement read.

Her family said Makayla helped make them better people and showed them how to live life to the fullest.

They say their family is heartbroken over the loss. 

"She is the best person I have ever met. It was purely a gift from God that I got to be her mother for 18 years and I am so thankful for that, however, there is so much pain because I didn't just lose my perfect, sweet daughter, I lost my best friend," according to the statement.

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