Funeral Thursday For Acworth Teen Killed By Tree Fall

MARIETTA, GA -- A memorial service for a Harrison High School student who died when a tree fell on her at a state park is set for Thursday evening. A celebration of life for Joelle Dalgleish, 15, will be held at 6 p.m. at North Metro Church in Marietta. A visitation was held Wednesday at West Cobb Funeral Home.

Joelle was at the park to celebrate the 16th birthday of a friend. She was in her hammock when the tree supporting it suddenly broke and fell. Students, faculty and staff at her school have rallied around her family.

In a letter to the Harrison community, Principal Ashlynn Campbell summed up the thoughts of many on how Joelle touched the lives of those she knew: "Joelle was a valued member of the Harrison community. She was on our school's cross-country team. We will remember Joelle as a generous young lady, whose smile and infectious laughter brought happiness to many students and teachers at our school. Joelle was a dedicated student and well loved by her peers and teachers."

"Joelle was one of the sweetest girls I have ever had the pleasure of sharing my life with," a friend wrote on her memorial page on West Cobb Funeral Home's website. "I can remember us talking on the bus on the way back from a Cross Country Meet in Florida. We were watching the movie, McFarland, USA on the bus when she explained that had to write a book report on the book Soul Surfer when she got back into town. She continued telling silly jokes for the remainder of the trip. I will remember Joelle as a positive person that always had a smile on her face. Sending my condolences to all of her friends and family."

Read more: Harrison High rallies around family of teen killed by tree fall

Joelle, a Portland native, moved to Acworth when she was 3 years old, according to her obituary, published by West Cobb Funeral Home. She was also active as a member of Sanctuary Church in Kennesaw.

Image via West Cobb Funeral Home