A Utah ice climber was killed by falling ice after saving her friend’s life

An ice climber sacrificed her own life to save another climber in Utah on Sunday, according to local authorities.

Three climbers were attempting to ascend the frozen Raven Falls near Indian Canyon when the formation broke and collapsed, according to a press release from the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office.

One climber, a 34-year-old male who has yet to be named by authorities, fell approximately 40 feet but survived, and was transported by helicopter to a local hospital with serious injuries.

A second climber who police later identified as Margaret “Meg” O’Neill pushed a third person, her 21-year-old companion, out of the way of the falling column. The move “probably saved her life,” the sheriff’s office said. The 21-year-old was able to climb down and drive to find enough cell phone reception to call 911.

Search and rescue crews were on the scene until 5 p.m. local time on Monday, reports Fox 13 News. They found O’Neill’s body “trapped underneath two huge blocks of ice,” according to the sheriff’s office

Our sincere condolences to all effected by this tragedy, to the family of this brave, courageous woman who lost her life while saving another,” the office added.

O’Neill, age 43, served as Assistant Director for Embark Outdoors, a nonprofit facilitating outdoor sports and education for refugee women and girls.