HOUSTON — The woman who was killed over the weekend in a terrible accident on the historic tall ship Elissa in Galveston is being remembered by family and friends.
The Elissa volunteer who fell from the ship's mast on Saturday has been identified as 58-year-old Jill Hickman Victor of Nassau Bay.
Galveston Police Chief Kenneth Brown said Victor fell approximately 35 feet.
Brown confirmed the woman did have a safety harness on when she fell, but that the harness was not attached to the ship. He called it a horrible tragedy and an accident.
"We believe she died doing what she loved the best -- volunteering on the Elissa," said a Dallas woman named Susie, who describes herself as Victor's best friend. "She absolutely loved it and loved that crew. I know they’re going to miss her dearly."
Susie said her friend had an adventurous spirit and was part of an Elissa training class. She was looking forward to her first sail on the old ship in April, according to Susie.
"We want to give a shout to the Elissa crew for teaching her and allowing her to climb and fufill that dream," Susie said.
She said Victor also loved sports and quilting and had strong Christian values.
The incident remains under investigation by Port of Galveston police and the Galveston Historical Foundation, which manages the ship.
On its website, the foundation said "volunteers are trained extensively" with staff on the Sailing School Vessel.
The historical foundation bought the ship in 1970 from a Greek scrapyard. The ship's restoration was finished by 1982 and is maintained by volunteer efforts.
The ship's next sailing date was scheduled for April 8.