Campus Notice: CSU, Chico Student Drowned in Undertow while Volunteering in Thailand

Elena Baldwin, 20, a first-year student who lived in Esken Hall last year, drowned on June 25 in heavy seas off Karon Beach in Thailand.

Elena had been teaching English language at a school in Tambon Bangtoey, Phang Nga, and was visiting Phuket with a group of friends. Her students were survivors of the tsunami that resulted from an earthquake in December 2004.

She and three friends entered the surf at Karon Beach in the late afternoon, and the undertow from a large wave reportedly swept all four swimmers out to sea

A search-and-rescue operation was launched immediately, and Elena’s three companions were rescued; however, she was not.

For those who knew Elena, she was an amazing individual,” said Kayte Olsufka, Elena’s resident advisor in Esken Hall. “She truly lived her life to the fullest, and she was the most optimistic person I have ever met. She was not only my resident, but a friend. I learned so much from her.”

A memorial service was held on July 5. Elena was from San Diego.

Archived under Information on July 12, 2006