Community fund created in honor of 11-year-old South Coast girl killed in tragic accident; Celebration of Life announced

An 11-year-old South Coast girl killed in a tragic accident last week is being honored by her family in the creation of a community fund in her name.

Madelyn Eitas of Rochester, Massachusetts died while on vacation in Utah.

According to KSL TV, there was an avalanche incident near Brighton Ski Resort in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah that caught Eitas.

Madelyn’s family and over 20 bystanders/citizens immediately began search and rescue efforts.

Her brother, Cameron Eitas, “heroically used an application to locate her”, aiding in finding her along the slide path.

She was extracted, given first aid, and transported to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries.

According to an obituary, Eitas “was caring, beautiful, silly, sassy, athletic and loving — and without question, the best cuddler of all time. Maddie had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome. Whether at soccer games, baseball games, school, or social events, she brought people together. She truly was the best “Momma Bear” — a natural leader, great teammate, and loving friend.”

Family members are creating a community fund in her honor.  Please see more information here.  

“Maddie was joyful, athletic, adventurous, and a natural leader — a true “Momma Bear” to her teammates and friends. She loved dancing, soccer, skiing, the outdoors, and bringing people together wherever she went.”

“To carry her spirit forward, funds raised will support an annual Mariners soccer scholarship in her name, the addition of a scoreboard at Dexter Soccer Field and, we hope, future field lights, as well as initiatives promoting avalanche awareness and skiing safety. Our hope is that these efforts will strengthen the community she loved so deeply and create lasting reminders of her energy, kindness, and fearless heart.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Century House, 107 S. Main Street in Acushnet at 1 PM. All that knew Madelyn are welcome.