A Utah ice climber died after pushing a fellow mountaineer out of the way of a falling ice column, likely saving her life, deputies say

• A Utah ice climber died after pushing her fellow climber to safety, deputies say.
• Three mountaineers were climbing a frozen waterfall on Sunday when a massive column broke off.

An ice climber died in Utah this week after she pushed her fellow mountaineer out of the way of a falling ice column, probably saving her life, the county sheriff's office said.

Three people were climbing a frozen waterfall called Raven Falls near Indian Canyon in Duchesne County, Utah, on Sunday when the massive ice column gave way, according to the Duchesne County Sheriff's Office.

One of the climbers, a 41-year-old woman, was able to push her 21-year-old fellow climber out of the way of the falling ice, likely saving her life, the sheriff's office said. The 21-year-old, whose name has not been released, then climbed down the terrain and drove to the nearest town to call for help.

The 41-year-old who likely saved her fellow climber's life did not survive, the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post.

Deputies said the third climber, a 34-year-old man, fell about 40 feet "when the ice column fractured upon impact" — he was airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries.

"Our sincere condolences to all effected by this tragedy, to the family of this brave, courageous woman who lost her life while saving another," the sheriff's office said. "We hope that all may find comfort and all the warm support will prevail over your hearts while mourning the loss of your loved one."

Deputies have not released the 41-year-old climber's name, but friends on social media have identified her as Salt Lake City native Meg O'Neill.

A Facebook group dedicated to her has already attracted 282 members, with dozens of posts celebrating her "pure heart" and "giving" spirit.

Friends described O'Neill as a "force of nature" who was always willing to help those in need and loved teaching younger climbers the ropes.

"She was one of the most genuine, caring, exciting person I have ever met. She lived her life and she loved her life," one friend wrote.