Student falls to death while taking photos at scenic Highway 101

Michelle Casey was a junior at Oregon State University

A student has died after falling from a scenic coastal viewpoint along the famed Highway 101.

The Tillamook County Sheriff’s Offices confirmed that Michelle Casey, 21, fell approximately 100 feet while taking photographs at Neahkahnie Mountain on the Oregon Coast on Sunday morning.

Her boyfriend told police officials that she landed in a tree, which stopped her from falling into the Pacific Ocean.

After a two-hour rescue operation, she was flown to a Portland hospital where she died.

In a statement to KOIN, Ms Casey’s family noted that she had chosen to be an organ donor.

"Michelle always brought people together with her bubbly personality and loving, giving heart," her family’s statement said. "She loved being outdoors and was at the beach—her favourite place—on Sunday. "

Oregon State Vice President of University Relations and Marketing Steve Clark said in an email to CNN that the university is offering supporting and counseling services to students, faculty, and staff affected by the death of Ms Casey. He said they have also reached to members of Ms Casey's family.

"As a university community, we mourn at the loss of a community member -- and certainly one so young," he said.