HONOLULU (KHON2) -- While New Year's Eve is a time to celebrate new beginnings, it was the last day of 19-year-old Tiare Couto's life, after she slipped and fell at the Pupukea-Paumalu trail. Her mother, Laura Johnson, is still in disbelief. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You In an exclusive interview with KHON2, Laura said she is in the mourning stage, trying to stay strong for her son and family. At 19, Tiare was studying environmental law in Utah and had a whole life ahead of her. HFD, ATF: Young Street fire ruled accidental, originated from kitchen "I know her goals in life were to protect lands and promote a healthy place to live for all of us," Laura said. "I can just speak in volumes to what an amazing, beautiful, strong woman she is." Tiare was born in Hawaii before moving away with her mom. She flew back right before New Year's Eve to visit friends and family. "I knew she arrived safely. She sent me arrival videos and year, she wished me a Happy New Year." It was the last time Laura heard from Tiare before her fatal accident. She had gone to a New Year's Eve party with friends at a place called "The Bunker." Around 12:30 p.m., police said that her friends came down to a parking lot and found a police officer. They told him they could not find her. Tiare was finally found hours later and brought out with the help of the Honolulu Fire Department. Emergency Medical Services said she was unresponsive when they treated her just before 6 a.m. and took her to the hospital where she died. Her family held a paddle out in her honor on Saturday, Jan. 11. "I'm overwhelmed by the love of people here. Hawaii is the most loving place," Laura added. Tiare's stepfather is hoping more can be done to ensure this doesn't happen again. Those familiar with the trail and the annual New Year's Eve celebration agree. "It's so tragic. I get chicken skin just thinking about it. It's like 'cause it was gosh. Like just such a freak accident, you know. There has to be a way to make sure it's done safely, right? Like, if you can't stop it from happening, you have to at least, make sure it's as safe as possible," said Sarabeth Jackson, North Shore resident. Check out more news from around Hawaii The Department of Land and Natural Resources said the event was not reported to DOCARE and they would never approve a request for an event of this type, night or day, in an undeveloped park reserve area without safe and developed facilities and access routes.