Funeral for teen fatally struck by tree on camping trip

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - Funeral services will be held Thursday for a metro Atlanta teen who passed away after a tree fell on her and severely injured her during a camping trip last week. 

Joelle Dalgleish, a sophomore at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, died Sunday morning, two days after a tree snapped and fell on her at a state park last Friday night. Officials said she was on a hammock when the tree fell.

A celebration of life service is taking place at 6 p.m. Thursday at North Metro Church in Marietta. The funeral is open to the public. 

Earlier this week, hundreds gathered at Harrison High School Monday evening to remember the 16-year-old who loved ones said had an infectious smile and laugh.

"One smile from her made me feel happy, it made me feel worthy and all of my problems went away," said one friend who has known Joelle since kindergarten. 

Joelle's parents and little sister attended the vigil and leaned one on another as lifelong friends told stories about their daughter. The stands were packed at the high school where candles were lit and balloons released. 

Following Dalgleish's death, Harrison High School Principal Ashlynn Campbell released a letter to Harrison families on the school's website. It reads, in part: 

"With a heavy heart, I must inform you that we have unexpectedly lost a member of our Harrison family. Joelle Dalgleish, a 10th grader, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2017, following a tragic accident when a tree fell on her at a campground on Friday night.

Joelle was a valued member of the Harrison community. She was on our school's cross-country team. We will remember Joelle as a generous young lady, whose smile and infectious laughter brought happiness to many students and teachers at our school. Joelle was a dedicated student and well loved by her peers and teachers.

On behalf of all members of the Harrison staff, our deepest condolences are with the Dalgleish family and friends during this difficult time. We know that Joelle’s friends and classmates will be deeply saddened, and we are prepared to help students as needed."

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On Monday, Joelle's family released a copy of her final blog post from before she left for the camping trip.

App Users click here to watch Joelle's final blog post

"Just know that we are here to support all of our Hoyas," Campbell said.