CARLSBAD — The La Costa Canyon High School community is mourning the loss of recent graduate Gracie Camacho, whose family confirmed she died last Friday after an off-highway vehicle rollover in northern Utah during a senior trip with friends.
The Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division has not publicly identified the 17-year-old because she was a minor.
According to the agency, four California teenagers were riding in an off-highway vehicle in the parking lot of Heritage Park in Garden City around 4:15 p.m. on June 19 when they began performing “donuts.” The vehicle overturned, ejecting a 17-year-old girl, publicly identified by family as Camacho, who was riding in the back.
The victim was not wearing a seat belt or helmet, according to the agency. Emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures, but Camacho died from her injuries. The crash remains under investigation.
The Rich County Sheriff’s Office, Rich County EMS, Garden City Fire District and Intermountain Health Lifeflight responded to the incident.
“The Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division offers its sympathies and condolences to family and friends during this difficult time,” the agency said in a statement.
Camacho had recently graduated from La Costa Canyon High School and planned to attend the University of Utah this fall, where she intended to study pre-nursing.
“Gracie had just been accepted to the University of Utah and was so excited to begin her nursing degree this fall — chasing that dream of helping and caring for others, just like she always did,” Greg Gossard and Whitney Camacho wrote in an online message shared after her death.
A standout student-athlete, Camacho helped lead the Mavericks softball program during a four-year varsity career. This season, she was named Coastal North County league Player of the Year, earned All-CIF honors and was selected to play in the Senior All-Star Game.
According to MaxPreps statistics, Camacho finished her prep career with a .264 batting average, 58 hits, 51 RBIs and nine home runs. As a pitcher, she compiled a 2.42 ERA with 170 strikeouts over 200 innings.
“Gracie captured the hearts of many throughout her time at LCC while in a Maverick uniform,” the La Costa Canyon athletics program wrote in a social media tribute. “Her time on the diamond created some of the most amazing memories in the history of our softball program. Her legacy will forever shine.”
Earlier this year, Camacho introduced herself to future classmates through a University of Utah student page, writing that she was “100% committed to the U” and excited to pursue a nursing degree while meeting new people.
Following news of Camacho’s death, tributes have poured in from across San Diego County’s softball community.
“Your kindness, joy, and love for the game touched so many lives,” Granite Hills High School’s softball program wrote in a social media post.
In a statement on behalf of the family, Camacho’s father thanked the community for its support.
“Our hearts are still learning how to hold the loss of our daughter, Gracie,” the family said. “In the midst of this devastation, we are overwhelmed by the generosity, support, grace, and the love shown to our family by our friends, family, neighbors, and community.”
The family thanked supporters for “every meal, every check-in, every prayer, every kind word, every act of care, and every quiet presence,” adding that the community’s compassion “is carrying us more than we can express.”
A celebration of Camacho’s life is scheduled for 1 p.m. July 2 at Venture Church, 777 Santa Fe Drive in Encinitas.
