[truebluefan]

The U.S. Freestyle community experienced a devastating loss last weekend with the unexpected passing of up-and-coming aerialist Erica Knell, a 17-year-old resident of Park City, UT.

Knell, who jumped with the USSA club FLY Freestyle and finished 7th at U.S. Championships last season, died in a car accident outside of Park City.

"My thoughts and prayers go out to Erica's family. It is such a difficult time," USSA Freestyle Program Director Polly-Jo Clark said. "I know that Erica was a fantastic person and athlete who made a positive difference in the world to everyone. She was so talented and such a pleasure to be around. She will be greatly missed."

After growing up in Hong Kong and competing with the Chinese national gymnastics team to become two-time Hong Kong all-around gymnastics champion, Knell began her aerials career as a 13-year-old at the Utah Olympic Park. In Utah, former U.S. Freestyle Ski Team athlete and FLY Freestyle coach Jerry Grossi instructed Knell.

"Erica was a bit of a free spirit, but a tremendous talent to not only our team, but the future of the U.S. Ski Team. She showed a lot of promise in her basic ability," Grossi said. "She was a beautiful personality and just a beautiful girl and she will be missed by the sport and she will be missed by her fellow athletes."

Loved by those who's path she crossed, Knell made an impression on everyone, especially Grossi who recalls one of his dearest memories of her from their training last winter season.

"Probably one of my fondest memories of Erica happened last winter when we were training. I saw her do a single backflip with a full twist - a back full - and her ski skills weren't the best and she landed in the most awkward position possible on a pair of skis," Grossi recounts. "I saw this girl fight so hard down the landing hill to get her body position back and be able to ski. I saw her fight harder than I've ever seen anybody fight for a landing and she pulled it off.

"It showed how much heart she had. That, to me from a coach's standpoint, is a huge thing to see in an athlete - to just out of instinct have that fight."

Funeral services for Knell will be held on Wednesday September 10, 3 p.m. at the Park City Stake Center, 2300 Monitor Drive, Park City, Utah.

Donations can be made in Erica's name to assist refugees in the Salt Lake area through the Salt Lake County Action Program/Hartland Fund, which is located at 764 South 200 West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101, or can be reached by telephone 801.354.2444.