2 Teen Hikers Fall to Their Deaths from Cliff in 'Terrible' Accident

By Deborah Hastings

Updated: 5:33 PM PDT, August 15, 2017

Emma Place and Emily Lang, both 19, had set up camp on Mt. Hood before their tragic falls, authorities said.

Two 19-year-old women fell to their deaths while hiking Oregon’s majestic Mt. Hood, authorities said.

Emma Place and Emily Lang had set up camp near a waterfall along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Their bodies were found Saturday evening by passing hikers, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Brian Jensen told InsideEdition.com.

The friends had plunged about 150 feet from a rocky cliff.

They apparently slipped and fell, Jensen said, calling the accident “terrible.”

“We have ruled out a criminal investigation,” he said. “It doesn’t appear that they jumped or were pushed.”

Their tent and backpacks were discovered about six miles northwest of Timberline Lodge.

“We’re seeking witnesses who may have seen what happened,” Jensen said.

The Portland women graduated from St. Mary’s Academy, an all-girls Catholic prep school, last year.

“Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of two St. Mary’s students,” administrators said on the school’s Facebook page.

“Our prayers, blessings and deepest condolences are with the family of friends of Emily and Emma,” the statement said.

“The world has lost two of the best,” teacher Jan Swanson Greene posted in the comments section. “I am so sorry.”

A prayer vigil was held Tuesday evening at the private school.