BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — A Maryville College student is dead after falling out of a vehicle driving on the Foothills Parkway, according to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Rangers responded to the accident on the parkway between Chilhowee Lake and Look Rock, near mile marker 13, around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3.
A passenger in the vehicle, Maiah Reilich-Godino, 18, of Maine, was sitting in an open window while the 2011 Jeep Patriot was in motion, according to park officials. She fell from the vehicle when the roof rack she was pulling up on disconnected from the roof.
Blount County Sheriff Office Deputies and Park Rangers performed CPR until American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance service arrived and pronounced her dead on the scene.
The driver and front-seat passenger, the only other occupants of the vehicle, were not injured, according to officials.
Park Rangers are completing the accident investigation.
Maryville College's Vice President and Dean of Students, Dr. Melanie Tucker, released the following statement:
“We are heartbroken about the passing of Maiah Reilich-Godino, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this very difficult time. Although she was part of our community for only two months, Maiah had made several friends in her classes and residence hall and was beginning to get involved with campus organizations. Those who knew her well say she was happy to be in college and happy to be at Maryville. A service has been scheduled for today to allow our campus community to come together for prayers and remembrance.”