4 days ago
Celebration of life held for Virginia Beach hiker Taniya Flowers
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A celebration of life was held at Berkely Park in Norfolk in honor of Taniya Flowers, the 25-year-old Virginia Beach woman who died after a hiking accident at Crabtree Falls.
Virginia Beach hiker dies after falling off a trail at Crabtree Falls
Family and friends all gathered to remember Taniya, who is said to have been a vibrant spirit who touched many lives.
'She was well liked. She smiled a lot. She had a big, humongous smile and she just, she just one of a kind. There is never going to be another Taniya. Beautiful personality. Just beautiful person. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful,' said Delisa Clark, Taniya's mother.
In her final moments before the hiking accident, family members say Taniya was trying to save a life; an act they say is no surprise.
'One of her friends, I believe, stepped the wrong way and ended up slipping and called out to her. And she just by instinct, her instinct alone, she reached for her, and she ended up falling,' said Delisa.
A candlelight vigil, words of remembrance and a balloon release took place at Berkley Park to honor Taniya's live and her sacrifice.
When asked if she could say anything to Taniya, her sister Tania expressed how much she misses her.
'I miss you, adore you. You are in my heart, my soul and you're going to live on till I take my last breath,' said Tania Flowers.
Those in attendance said though Taniya may not be with them anymore, she'll continue to live on through them.
The celebration of life was the first of three gatherings for those who knew Taniya. A visitation is set for June 9, and funeral services are planned for the following day, June 10.
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