The mother of a child killed in a cliff fall on Maui would’ve given her life for her son according to one family member.
Cristian Lopez was traveling with his family Sunday along the famous winding and scenic Road to Hana when he fell to his death.
"It was supposed to be an annual family vacation that ended up in a horrible tragedy," Erika Munoz, the boy's aunt, told NBCSanDiego.
The family stopped at a cliff along Honomanu Bay on the eastern shore of the island when the Cristian ran out of the vehicle to the lookout point.
He suddenly disappeared over the edge witnesses said .
His mother, Tanya, had called out to him right before he fell between 300 and 350 feet.
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"My sister would've prevented it if she could've," Munoz said, crediting her sister's devoted parenting.
"She would've given her life for her son."
The boy was brought to shore but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
Cristian had sustained massive head trauma officials said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The area where the boy fell is a popular tourist spot but it's not considered an official scenic lookout according to local authorities.
Cristian lived in Chula Vista and attended Chula Vista Elementary. His principal, Vicky Mitrovich, said the students and staff were saddened when they heard the news.
"The reaction was disbelief obviously, just breaking down and crying and just being very sad and just not believing that such a wonderful young man is no longer with us," she said.
Cristian, a 7th grader, was a top student and was in an advanced math class, according to Mitrovich. Images of Cristian as a younger boy are pictured right.
He was so excited for his trip to Hawaii that he had counted down the days.
Munoz said the family is currently trying to set up a fundraiser to help with the cost of a memorial service.
"We're devastated, we're hoping we can find hope and move on," Munoz said. "My sister and my brother in law are great parents, they would've done everything in their power to prevent such a tragedy."
Donations can be made to San Diego County Credit Union
303-1 H Street
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Make checks payable to:
Cristian Lopez
Acct: 448406500 Routing No:322281617
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