Fall victim was not taking photos near Lake Tahoe waterfall, family says

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Monday, June 3, 2019
Fall victim was not taking photos near Lake Tahoe waterfall, family says
New details in the death of a Bay Area woman swept over a Lake Tahoe waterfall. The victim's brother is challenging reports that his sister died while taking a selfie.

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (KGO) -- New details in the death of a Bay Area woman swept over a Lake Tahoe waterfall.

RELATED: Woman who reportedly died while taking photos near Lake Tahoe waterfall was from Bay Area

A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family of 35-year-old Stephanie Espinosa.

She leaves behind three children.

The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office says the victim lost her footing when she tried reaching for a branch and went over Eagle Falls in Emerald Bay last week.

Her younger brother challenged reports that she died while taking a selfie.

"Stephanie didn't even have her phone on her when she fell. She was trying to enjoy the moment," said Nick Martinez.

Fire officials warn visitors not to underestimate the power of waterfalls and rivers.