COLUMBIA, S.C. (CBS/AP)-- A Polk County teen died tragically Monday after falling from a high ropes course at a camp in South Carolina.
Pickens County Deputy Coroner Gary Duncan says 16-year-old Olivia Paige Grimes of Lakeland died just before 6 p.m. Monday after falling 100 feet from a ropes course swing ride called the "Free bird" at Carolina Point Camp in Sunset.
"We do not yet know how his occurred. At the moment, our focus is on those grieving over this tragic accident," said Carolina Point Camp Manager, Greg Carlton.
The camp is run by Young Life, a Christian youth organization, that offers a week-long program where teens participate in team building exercises. Olivia had traveled to the camp this week with a couple of dozen other kids from this area, including a cousin of hers and four or five friends.
Olivia was a straight-A student at George Jenkins High School in Lakeland. She loved helping others, but she also loved her family, friends and God.
In a statement posted online, camp officials said they do not know how this occurred and they place the safety of campers and guests as a top priority.
"At the moment our focus is on those grieving over this tragic accident," the statement said. "This is a very sad day for all of us."
Back at Olivia's home, there is a tremendous amount of shock and sadness at the Oasis Community Church in Lakeland, which has been a part of the community for nearly 20 years. Her parents, Phil and Robyn Grimes, are the church's founders. Phil is also a pastor there. Pictures from the Facebook page of 16-year-old Olivia Grimes show a happy, energetic, caring teenager.
Olivia was a big volunteer with the youth ministry at the church and had a real knack for working with children. She attended George Jenkins High School where she was a straight "A" student.
The Oasis Community Church released a statement expressing its sorrow on behalf of the Grimes family, and thanking the community:
It's with deepest sorrow and broken hearts that we let you know that Olivia Grimes, the sixteen-year-old daughter of Pastor Phil and Robyn and sister of Sabrina, passed away on Monday after an accident at a summer camp. Due to the overwhelming nature of the circumstances, we are asking that you refrain from contacting Phil and Robyn at this time. Please keep them (Phil and Robyn) and the entire Grimes family in your prayers. We are grateful for your love and support, which will continue to be needed in the weeks and months ahead. We will update you with arrangements once we have that information.
Olivia is also survived by an older sister Sabrina, whom, we are told, attends college in Tallahassee. The family flew out of town to the Carolinas late Monday after being informed there had an accident. No word yet on any time frame for a memorial service or funeral arrangements.
