Remembering Fin Fadick
- Adam Kaye
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
For so much of Fin Fadick’s life, the Coast to Crest Trail Challenge created memories for the girl and her family.
Like that time on the Clevenger Canyon South Trail, when she and her oldest brother, Nathan, peeled off so they could climb to the top of a supersized boulder.
Like so many times when her mother, Cindy, would rally the family to pack up for a day outdoors.
Even if the teenage kids didn’t snap to, “they were good sports about it,” Mrs. Fadick said.
Or Fin’s father, Scott, beaming beneath a floppy sun hat, capturing the family’s adventures with at least seven years’ worth of selfie submissions—the earliest showing Fin as a tween with braces and the most recent, from 2026, showing Fin standing tall, flashing that peace sign, hair and skirts long and flowing.
She loved to talk during the hikes. To became part of the natural beauty that surrounded her.
Fin Fadick, 17 years old and soon to start her senior year at San Dieguito Academy in Encinitas, was killed July 10 when she was struck by a car near her home.
She leaves behind a loving family: Scott and Cindy, brothers Noah and Nathan, a terrible-two golden retriever, Daisy, and dozens of heartbroken friends.
She played volleyball on her school’s team. She wrote poetry. She had a keen eye for photographing flowers and landscapes. Fin poured herself into painting, pottery and crocheting.
So tragically, Fin leaves her abundant optimism, enthusiasm, curiosity and compassion on the threshold of becoming an incredible young woman.
Coast to Crest Challenger Fin Fadick, we salute you.
Seraphina Rose Fadick was born May 29, 2009.
A private memorial service was held in July.
At the family’s request, donations in Fin’s memory can be made to the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy.
