Jamie Zimmerman, ABC News Reporter, Dies In Vacation Accident

Dr. Jamie Zimmerman, who reported for the ABC News medical unit, died on vacation in Hawaii on Monday. She was 31.

Jamie Zimmerman Dies

ABC News President James Goldstone broke the news of Zimmerman’s death to staff with a note. According to Goldstone, Zimmerman drowned while attempting to cross the Lumhai River on Kauai’s north shore. She had lost her footing during the crossing and was ultimately swept out to sea. Despite the efforts of lifeguards and paramedics, Zimmerman could not be resuscitated.

Zimmerman was alone at the time of the accident earlier this week. No foul play is suspected.

Zimmerman’s mother Jordan Zimmerman confirmed her daughter’s death on the reporter’s Facebook page with a tribute that mentioned all of the great things she’d accomplished during her short career.

“Those of you who knew Jamie or perhaps read some of her writings knew that she loved people above all else. It was her passion to be of service and teaching meditation was her calling,” Jordan Zimmerman wrote. “In her short 31 years Jamie traveled the globe representing America as a caring mindfulness ambassador. Her accomplishments included helping Congolese refugees in Zambia, volunteering in a cash-strapped hospital in India, building classrooms in Uganda, and working with indigenous people on the Amazon in Peru. Jamie served as a United Nations Global Health representative in Haiti and she even taught meditation at the U.S. Capitol.

“She was honored with UCLA’s prestigious Charles E. Young Humanitarian Award, was a Rhodes Scholar finalist, and earned the title of Dr. Jamie at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Jamie wrote for the Huffington Post, Sonima, and Mind Body Green,” Zimmerman’s mother continued. “Most recently she interviewed Deepak Chopra and had planned to collaborate with him on his new project giyo.com. All this was in addition to her work with ABC News in their Medical Unit as well as The (Goldie) Hawn Foundation where she trained educators and school administrators to teach meditation to children.”

Jordan Zimmerman ended her lengthy tribute with a personal message to her late daughter.

“Sweet dreams, my darling daughter, my sweet pea, my role model, my pride and joy! I will love you forever!!” she wrote. “As I repeatedly told you, I was thrilled that you lived life to the fullest. Always know that I will miss you every second, minute, and hour of every day. Until we meet again, my precious one!”