A journalist has died in an accident after using a banned rope swing in a state park.

According to the California State Parks’ representative, Kathryn “Katie” Hoedt, 23, had a mishap with a rope swing at the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, situated near Folsom, in the US state of California, Saturday, 12th August, at around 12:30pm.

Katie fell onto the shoreline after using the swing and some of her friends swiftly transported her to a proximate boat ramp.

Meanwhile, an unnamed individual and an off-duty physician reportedly administered CPR.

She was then moved to the Sutter Roseville Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead by the medics. 

Katie held a position as a morning producer for KCRA in Sacramento, California, and had past experience as a writer at FOX 40, also in Sacramento. 

Katie’s colleagues at KCRA acknowledged her as an esteemed part of their team. 

The news station expressed that their co-workers universally found her to be among the kindest individuals they had the pleasure to work alongside. 

The use of rope swings is reportedly prohibited at all California state parks. 

Barry Smith, the chief ranger of the Gold Fields District of California State Parks, expressed concern about the unpredictable nature of rope swings.

He said that there are several unknown factors such as the strength of the rope, the stability of the tree or branch it is attached to, and the overall safety hazards associated with it. 

Beth Hoedt, Katie’s mother, expressed her struggle to adapt to the news. 

Beth shared her disbelief at the reality of the situation, reminiscing about her daughter’s vibrant spirit.

She shared her difficulty in attempting to perform normal activities knowing she will no longer receive Katie’s calls, a reality she is finding hard to accept. 

Lastly, the California State Parks spokesperson informed that the agency collaborated with local authorities to remove any unauthorized rope swings in the area.