Woman Dies After Falling Off Cliff

A 19-year-old Spokane woman died early Thursday morning after falling off a 60-foot cliff near Santa Barbara, Calif.

Angela Baird, who had been attending Thomas Aquinas College just north of Los Angeles, slipped off a popular trail while hiking with fellow students Wednesday night.

A Ventura County Sheriff’s Department helicopter airlifted her out of the canyon and flew her to the Ventura County Medical Center. She underwent surgery but died several hours later, authorities said.

Baird was a sophomore at the 218-student Catholic liberal arts college. She was involved in prison ministries and also was in the process of …

A 19-year-old Spokane woman died early Thursday morning after falling off a 60-foot cliff near Santa Barbara, Calif.

Angela Baird, who had been attending Thomas Aquinas College just north of Los Angeles, slipped off a popular trail while hiking with fellow students Wednesday night.

A Ventura County Sheriff’s Department helicopter airlifted her out of the canyon and flew her to the Ventura County Medical Center. She underwent surgery but died several hours later, authorities said.

Baird was a sophomore at the 218-student Catholic liberal arts college. She was involved in prison ministries and also was in the process of setting up a sidewalk counseling program for pregnant women considering abortions, said her father, Mike Baird.

“She died a heroic death,” Baird said. “She inspired everyone around her.”

Angela Baird had been home-schooled in Spokane during her high school years. A memorial service will be conducted in Spokane. A date has not been set.

, DataTimes