TV presenter dies after slipping off top of waterfall during 25th birthday celebrations

The young journalist lost her footing on slippery rocks

Taylor Terrell would have turned 25 the day after she died (41NBC)

A news presenter plunged 185ft to her death over a waterfall while celebrating her 25th birthday.

Television anchor Taylor Terrell was visiting the Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, with friends on Thursday when she lost her footing and was swept over.

Her death is the second recent tragedy at the 500,000 acre beauty spot after a man reportedly jumped from a nearby waterfall on 16 July.

We're remembering  her spirit, her optimism, and her work.

&#13; <p>Colleagues at 41NBC News channel</p>&#13;

Originally from Georgia, Ms Terrell anchored on 41NBC News. She was wading near Rainbow Falls in the Horsepasture River where algae-covered rocks are extremely slippery.

A spokeswoman for the US Forest Service said: “The current swept her up and over the falls.”

She would have turned 25 the day after she died.

A statement on the 41NBC website read: “To say that this loss is devastating for us here at 41NBC and to her family is an understatement. Taylor was scheduled to be off today to celebrate her 25th birthday. Instead, we’re remembering her spirit, her optimism, and her work.”

Before becoming an anchor she worked as a general news reporter at the channel after starting as an intern following her graduation from Georgia Southern University.

Commenting on the news station’s website, Leyla Romans, posted: “My heart goes out to the Terrell family. Taylor was a sweet child with big dreams and a smile always on her face.”

Viewer Darren Hamilton, added: “I am so totally shocked by this! She was one of my favorite newscasters here in town. She always had such a vibrant spirit, with plenty of positive energy & a strong sense of being there for the community.”

The forest’s six waterfalls are a popular draw for tourists.