Portland fifth-grader dies after being swept out to sea at Cannon Beach

Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach(Gary Braasch/Corbis via Getty Images)

(PORTLAND, Ore.) Portland Public School officials said Monday that an elementary student died in the hospital after being swept into the ocean at Cannon Beach last Thursday, KATU reports.

The student, identified by district officials as fifth-grader Lily Markwell, attended the ACCESS Academy Alternative Program at Vestal Elementary School.

On June 17, Lily was at Cannon Beach with her family when she was abruptly swept into the ocean near Haystack Rock, the Tillamook Headlight Herald reports.

Cannon Beach Fire District and Seaside Fire's Surf Rescue Team were dispatched, along with a Coast Guard helicopter, which helped crews locate Lily. She was transported to a hospital via LifeFlight but "tragically, she did not survive."

Following the rescue, Cannon Beach FRPD released a statement saying, in part:

"Cannon Beach Fire District and Seaside Fire & Rescue would like to remind everyone the Pacific Ocean currents are unpredictable and rip currents can take a person out in a matter of seconds. Although ambient air and ocean water temperatures are becoming warmer, the water is still cold and can rapidly decrease a swimmer's ability. If you see a distressed person in the water, call 911 immediately."

The district has said it plans to offer support for staff members at ACCESS, as well as online resources about working through childhood grief, talking to your child about death and more.

A vigil is planned for Lily at 7 p.m. Monday at Vestal School’s playground.

The district said, "We will have art supplies for making cards and drawing pictures, water for drinking as it will be hot, and maybe popsicles. We will hold a moment of silence as a group @ 8pm at which time people will be invited to share a story or reflection. Students, families, and staff are all welcome to join us."

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