The father of an Escondido teenager killed in a rock climbing accident says he will work to create Makayla’s Law to create safety standards at the popular Arizona hiking area where his daughter fell to her death.
“We don’t want this to happen to anybody ever again. It didn’t need to happen," said Larry Castro.
Castro said he will work to create safeguards at Camelback Mountain outside of Phoenix that could include permit requirements for hikers and rock climbers depending on their skills and the hiking route they take.
Makayla Castro, 18, fell more than 60 feet on April 20th. She died 10 days later. Her parents returned to their Escondido home on Tuesday and found streets lined with pink bows in remembrance of their daughter.
“There’s something about coming home, because it still seems like a dream. But coming home makes it so real, so we’re so appreciative of what everyone has done to help us get through this,” said Allison Castro.
The Castros say they are relying on their deep religious faith to help them cope with the loss.
“Ultimately we prayed that Makayla would be okay, and it may not have been our version of okay, we wanted her to come home, but we know she’s okay. The prayers were answered,” said Allison Castro.
Local
The family plans a Celebration of Life in the coming days to honor Makayla. They will also set up a scholarship fund at San Pasqual High School.
The family asks donations be made in lieu of flowers:
Donations can be made to “Kayla Castro Memorial and Education Fund, c\o J. Stephen Hawkins, CPA, 350 10th Ave, Ste 1000, San Diego, CA 92101.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up for Makayla. The funds will go towards continuing Mckayala's passions if life, her mother said.
