Maui girl who died while hiking Waimoku Falls identified

KIPAHULU, Maui (HawaiiNewsNow) - The eight-year-old Lahaina girl who was killed while hiking on the back side of Haleakala National Park Tuesday afternoon has been identified.

According to officials, Sophia DeLoria was hiking with her family at Waimoku Falls in Ohe'o Gulch Tuesday afternoon.

Officials say a rock, possibly the size of a softball, fell on the young girl's head. She was not in the water at the time of the incident.

"She was an extremely talented girl, always one of the gang. Everybody liked her. She was very good at school," said family friend Deane Olson. "One of the main things is when she was around, she always had a big smile and had a lot of fun."

DeLoria, a student at King Kamehameha III Elementary School, danced ballet and was a competitive swimmer.

"It's a shame. A beautiful little star to end so early in life. We miss her greatly, we wish everything the best for her family and if there is anyone that wants to say a prayer for her, we welcome their prayers," said Olson.

An autopsy will be conducted Thursday to determine the exact cause of death.

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