Camila Lopez, a 16-year-old student at St. Mary’s High School in Kitchener, has died while vacationing in Mexico.
According to Mexican news reports, Lopez was kayaking when her kayak was hit by a jet-ski in the Cancun area.
Lopez, who had reportedly been in Mexico since Friday, died of her injuries shortly after being taken to a hospital.
The driver of the jet-ski, reportedly a 16-year-old from the United Kingdom, was arrested by Mexican police but later released.
Mexican media say the collision was deemed to be an accident by Mexican courts.
Friends say Lopez was a top student who wanted to become a veterinarian. She would have started Grade 11 in September.
Outside of school, Lopez was a dance student at BellyUp BellyDance Studio.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs says they’re in contact with local authorities in Cancun.
“Our thoughts are with the friends and family of a Canadian citizen who passed away in Mexico,” reads the statement.
The Waterloo Catholic District School Board says St. Mary’s administrators and a board social worker will be at the St. Mary’s school chapel Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. Members of the school community are welcome to attend.
