Teen dies at Little Mashel Falls; family speaks out

EATONVILLE, Wash. -- For the second time in a month, a teen has died after an accidental fall at Little Mashel Falls.

Jayace Rosborough, 13, died last month and 18-year old Noah Atchison died Friday. Fire officials say he slipped and fell after snapping a picture. For the first time, Noah’s family is speaking publicly about his tragic death.

The Atchison’s called Noah their hero, and with their hero gone. They’re trying to find a way to cope, so they’re sharing their story in hopes Noah’s story could help others.

Cindy Snitily still can’t believe her first child is gone.

“It hurts, it hurts like it just rips out your heart, and you think I don’t know how I’m going to wake up tomorrow,” said Snitily.

It’s a hurt she’s sharing with the rest of her tight-knit family.

“I’m sad, and my heart is broken in a million pieces,” said Regena Atchison, Noah’s grandmother.  “I’ve suffered loss, but I have never suffered something so devastating as losing a child, a grandma or grandpa need to go before their grandson."

Snitily is the second mother to lose a teenage son at Little Mashel Falls within the last month. She believes there’s a lack of signage warning people of the dangers.

“It’s not enough that people die there every year, that Jayace lost his life just a month ago and my son lost his life last week,” said Snitily.  "I know it’s beautiful but it has to be enough to know there’s another way to see it.”

It’s why she’s sharing her story, so people are aware of the dangers as they think of her son. “Knowing that my son is going to bring peace to somebody, that he’s going to bring safety because of Noah,” said Snitily.

#BecauseofNoah is a hashtag Snitily is encouraging others to use as they go out on their adventures to remember her son and practice safety.