Family members, along with friends and colleagues of a local woman, gathered Saturday morning on the shore of Folsom Lake, not far from where she lost her life just over a year ago in a rope swing accident.
The gathering was held to remember Kathryn Hoedt, known to most as “Katie.” In her memory, a park picnic table and bench were unveiled at Beals Point.
Katie’s family and coworkers remember her as a bright light who always brought positivity and joy to anything she was a part of. At just 23 years old, Hoedt was making strides in a media career. At the time of her tragic death, she was a producer for KCRA Television and had previously worked with Fox 40 in Sacramento.
The engraving on the table at Beals Point reads, “We love you forever, Katie Hoedt.” Nearby, a park bench displays the quote, “Take the time to observe, dream, be happy, laugh, be kind, and think of the positive impact you have on others. Life is a gift.” This phrase captures Hoedt’s personality and kind spirit, which her many friends and colleagues described in a previous *Folsom Times* article following her accident.
On August 12, 2023, Hoedt, a resident of Antelope, died from her injuries after falling from a rope swing near Rattlesnake Bar, a popular recreation area in the upstream waters of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.
After falling approximately 30 feet and striking the ground, friends of Hoedt reportedly transported her to the Rattlesnake boat launch area, where an off-duty doctor performed CPR as rescue personnel were en route. Life-saving efforts continued as Hoedt was transported to a hospital in Roseville, where she died from her injuries.
Following Hoedt’s death, her family called for action by California State Parks to prevent future tragedies like the one that befell them. The family suggested installing better signage regarding the law and possibly removing trees or limbs in areas where swings have been or could pose a danger.
Rope swings are illegal in the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, but the law has not stopped swimmers from installing them over the years. Hoedt’s accident was the second in just a few weeks, and rope swings have long been a persistent issue.
According to state park officials, rope swings are continually removed when found, sometimes multiple times in a single week during the summer months. Just a few weeks after Hoedt’s accident, State Parks removed the branch where the rope swing had been located to prevent others from installing another swing in the same spot.
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