Beaver Co. Teen Killed On Camping Trip Remembered On Her Birthday
BEAVER FALLS (KDKA) -- One of this summer's big storms brought tragedy to a family from Beaver Falls. Their daughter was killed at a summer camp when high winds sent a tree crashing down onto her tent last month.
Alexis Turner would have turned 16 Thursday, but instead of a Sweet 16 birthday party, a memorial service was held to remember her.
Instead of 16 candles, there were 16 balloons for the girl affectionately known as Lexi.
This is a tribute to my daughter. She was a wonderful girl. I could have never asked for a better teenaged girl in my entire life," said Brandine Fehir-Turner, Lexi's mom.
Lexi died just about a month ago while attending the Pine Valley Bible Camp.
They backpacked into a remote section of the Minister Creek Campground when a wicked storm toppled trees and crushed Lexi. She died at a place she loved.
"She waited for that place every summer," Fehir-Turner. "She wanted to be a counselor there. She was looking forward to it. She was pushing me out the door that day. She could not get there fast enough."
On Thursday night, nearly 200 turned out to remember Lexi. Each of them launched a paper prayer lantern that filled the skies over Beaver Falls.
A mime team that Lexi performed with did a special tribute. There were prayers, tears and fond remembrances.
"She was always full of joy and a smile on the face and laughter in her heart. And that's what I'm going to carry on from this day forward," said Fehir-Turner.
A spokesman for the Minister Creek Campground told KDKA that they're very sorry for the loss of Lexi. They say her death was tragic and unfortunate. But that she was at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Four other kids were hurt when that tree fell; one was airlifted to a Cleveland hospital.
Because the campsite in Warren County was so remote, it took hours for help to get to the campers.
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