PORTLAND, Ore. -- Family, friends, and the community is mourning the loss of a 19-year-old Portland woman, who died tragically Friday on Mount Bachelor in Central Oregon.
Authorities found the body Friday of Nicole Panet-Raymond in a tree well, an area of loose snow around a tree trunk.
Hers was the second death that day on Mount Bachelor. Earlier that same day, a snowboarder died, also by falling into a dangerous tree well.
Panet-Raymond, a 2016 graduate of St. Mary's Academy was attending the University of Oregon.
Monday morning, a grieving congregation held a closed-door prayer service in her honor.
“The St. Mary’s community is devastated over the loss of Nicole,” said spokesperson Gina Rau. “Our prayers go out to her family, and all who knew and loved her.”
"Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of St. Mary's alumna, Nicole Panet-Raymond '16, who was involved in a tragic skiing accident recently,” said St. Mary’s Academy Principal Nicole Foran.
“This remarkable young woman touched the hearts of many throughout her life, and especially during her years at St. Mary’s Academy," Foran said. "Nicole was actively involved as a leader in our student body, played on the Blues Tennis team, and shared her beautiful vocal talents as a Marian singer. She will be greatly missed.”
For those that love her, and those who knew her just in passing, Panet-Raymond was a shining spirit. A kind soul, who also loved animals.
Meow Village, a feral cat rescue organization, posted a tribute to Panet-Raymond on Facebook, showing a photo of her, smiling, holding two kittens.
“It clearly captures her joy, beauty and true love for life,” said the Facebook post. “No words can describe the loss of this lovely, young soul and our thoughts and prayers are all around her family, as they courageously move forward to honor her memory.”