29-Year-Old San Diego Woman Dies in Paragliding Accident in San Jacinto
SAN JACINTO, Calif. — A tragic paragliding accident claimed the life of Kelsey Lewis, a San Diego resident, child actress, and beloved DJ, on Saturday morning. Riverside County authorities have confirmed the 29-year-old’s death after she was found on a hillside in the 200 block of East Soboba Road. According to the Riverside County Coroner’s Bureau, the incident occurred at approximately 11:07 a.m., and despite efforts by emergency responders, Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reported that deputies and paramedics were dispatched following a distress call regarding a downed paraglider. Sergeant Wenndy Brito-Gonzalez, representing the department, stated that medical personnel arrived quickly but were unable to revive Lewis. Although the exact cause of the crash remains unknown, investigators continue to examine potential mechanical issues, weather conditions, and other factors that could have contributed to the tragic event.
Kelsey Lewis began her journey in the entertainment industry at an exceptionally young age, transitioning from commercials to significant television roles and eventually the music industry as a DJ. Raised in Lancaster, California, Lewis started acting at just four years old, her IMDb profile indicates. Early on, she appeared in high-profile commercial campaigns for brands including Disney, Toys “R” Us, Mervyn’s, and Tropicana. By age seven, she had earned her big break in the music video for Pink's emotional 2001 hit "Family Portrait." In the video, Lewis portrayed a young girl affected by family turmoil, capturing the role with remarkable sensitivity for her age.
Reflecting on the experience in her professional biography with San Diego’s Dancing DJ Productions, Lewis described working with Pink as "inspiring and amazing" — an experience she cherished throughout her life. "Getting to work with and sing alongside [Pink] was an inspiring and amazing experience that I’ll keep with me forever,” Lewis noted in her bio. Her early work with some of Hollywood’s most recognized names continued to inspire her as she pursued her passion for performance and music.
Her success in commercials soon led to roles in both film and television. Lewis’s first significant movie role came in 2004 when she was cast as Nellie in the family film “Samantha: An American Girl Holiday.” She continued to make appearances in popular television shows like "Gilmore Girls," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," and "The Inside." Additionally, she had roles in various made-for-TV movies, including “Love’s Unfolding Dream” and “Bert & Becca.”
As Lewis entered adulthood, she transitioned from acting to music. Putting her acting career on hold, she pursued her college education, where she discovered a deep love for music, dancing, and DJing. She expressed her passion for the craft, saying, “I grew up a child actress. I’ve always loved music, playing guitar, and singing.” Her bio on Dancing DJ Productions further explained her path from acting to the music scene: “That is where I found my love for music, dancing, and DJing.”
In recent years, Lewis had established herself as a skilled DJ, performing throughout Southern California and gaining a loyal following. Her work with Dancing DJ Productions made her a popular choice for weddings, events, and venues, especially across Riverside County. Known for her vibrant personality and talent, Lewis was celebrated in the DJ community, where she combined her love for music and performance into a unique and energetic style.
Following news of her death, tributes to Lewis poured in across social media from fans, colleagues, and friends. Many expressed deep sadness over the sudden loss of a talented performer who brought joy to countless lives through her acting and music. Dancing DJ Productions issued a heartfelt statement, noting her dedication to her craft and her impact on the community. “Kelsey was not only an incredibly talented DJ but a genuinely kind and passionate person. She loved making people happy through her music and dancing, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.”
The paragliding accident has raised questions surrounding the safety and regulation of the sport, particularly in Riverside County, a popular location for paragliding enthusiasts. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) typically investigates such accidents involving ultralight aircraft, while local authorities, including the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, are also involved in the investigation. Key elements under review include the paraglider’s equipment and maintenance history, the weather conditions at the time, and Lewis’s experience level in the sport.
As the investigation proceeds, her family, friends, and fans remember Lewis not only for her early successes as a child actress but also for her joy-filled contributions to the music industry. Her untimely death is a heartbreaking reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the risks associated with extreme sports. Through her work as a performer and DJ, Kelsey Lewis touched many lives, leaving behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.
Kelsey Lewis’s life reflects a journey of resilience and passion, evolving from a childhood in front of the camera to a career that embraced the transformative power of music. The Riverside County community and beyond continue to mourn the loss of a young talent who balanced creativity, determination, and kindness. Her legacy, filled with both early fame and quiet contributions as a DJ, will continue to inspire those who knew her story.
