A 21-year-old woman who died near Seattle’s Burke-Gilman Trail is being mourned by members of the UCLA community, where she was remembered as a beloved friend and sorority sister.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to the California Post that Dayanara Nicole Urbina Ruiz died on July 30 from multiple blunt force injuries. Her death was ruled accidental. According to a report from K5, Ruiz accidentally fell from a window.
Word of Urbina Ruiz’s death has led to an outpouring of grief from Phi Lambda Rho Sorority, Inc., where she was a member of the organization’s UCLA chapter.
In an Instagram tribute, the sorority called Urbina Ruiz a “bright light” and a “gentle soul,” honoring her warmth, kindness and the support she offered to people around her.
“Omega Chapter gained a new angel,” the sorority wrote.
The organization said Urbina Ruiz was known for showing up for others in times of need, offering compassion, hope and care, and added that her memory will remain an enduring part of the sorority’s sisterhood.
Phi Lambda Rho also shared condolences with Urbina Ruiz’s family, friends and fellow members of the UCLA chapter as they grieve her loss.
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Her family has created a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for costs related to her final farewell.
“We’re the Urbina/Ruiz family gathering funds to give Dayanara Nicole Urbina Ruiz a final goodbye as she tragically passed away,” the family wrote on the fundraising page.
The family echoed the sentiments of Urbina Ruiz’s sorority sisters, describing her as “a bright light and a gentle soul” who was always there for anyone in need.
The fundraiser has set a goal of $24,000 and has raised approximately $20,000 so far.
The family expressed gratitude to everyone who has contributed and to those keeping Urbina Ruiz in their prayers, saying the support has meant a great deal during an incredibly difficult time.
The Burke-Gilman Trail stretches for nearly 20 miles through Seattle and is popular with pedestrians, runners and cyclists.
Urbina Ruiz’s loved ones say her legacy will live on through the people she helped and the community she touched.
