Rancho Bernardo girl, 12, dies while on Mexican vacation

The Rancho Bernardo community is rallying around the family of Karina Fares, a 12-year-old who died in an accident while on vacation.

The Bernardo Heights seventh grader was the daughter of Keem Schultz-Fares and Shadi Fares, and older sister to 9-year-old Mark Fares. Karina died on Feb. 18 in Rancho Agua Viva, near Ensenada, Mexico.

Her mother, Keem Schultz-Fares, said Karina had climbed a soccer goal post and was performing one of her gymnastics bars maneuvers when the accident occurred. She said the post tipped over and her daughter fell on her neck.

“She was immediately gone,” Karina’s mother said. “She was living her life up to the last minute. She had a wonderful last day.”

Schultz-Fares said that day included visiting with cousins and going on a family hike.

“I can honestly say there was not a single thing she did not get to do,” Schultz-Fares said. “Everything was complete for her.”

Schultz-Fares said her daughter was born in Cario, Egypt, and had traveled all over the world. Karina studied gymnastics at Gyminny Kids in 4S Ranch, was on the San Diego Aquatic Club’s swim team, played soccer on Rancho Bernardo recreational and All-Star teams, was involved in her church’s youth group, in musical theater at school and in her school’s band.

“She played the bassoon, which she taught herself to play,” Schultz-Fares said, adding her daughter received a “best improved musician” award in sixth grade for the effort. Karina also played the clarinet, flute, violin and piano.

Prior to becoming a Bernardo Heights Middle School student, Karina attended Westwood Elementary, where she had been student body treasurer in 2012-13. Her current principal, Timothy Biland, notified Bernardo Heights families of her death on Saturday and said counselors would be available to students when they returned to campus this week after their February break.

Friends have set up a Go Fund Me account for the family to help with funeral expenses — higher since Karina died in Mexico — and to assist with travel expenses for relatives coming from Egypt. As of Tuesday, $16,960 had been donated, exceeding the goal of $12,000. To make a contribution, go to www.gofundme.com/mtjwnc.

On the website, Karina’s best friend, McKenzie Peay, mentioned her many talents and her generosity to others.

“I remember one time for sixth grade camp we were selling entertainment books for a fundraiser,” McKenzie wrote. “Karina sold more than enough books to let her go to camp. She probably could have got extra prizes or whatever but instead she gave her extra orders to me. This helped pay a good portion of my camp, and I am very grateful for her kindness.”

Schultz-Fares said the community’s generosity to the family during this difficult time is “a testament to how Karina was, how God made her to be.”

She added, “we miss her very much, but rejoice that she is dancing in heaven. ... We feel very cared for by the community, our friends, neighbors and church family. We are grieving for ourselves, but rejoice for Karina.”

Karina’s memorial service was held on Sunday at New Hope Church of Penasquitos. Her private burial was on Tuesday at Dearborn Memorial Park in Poway.