Teen collapses during race, dies

"Megan was the daughter every parent wants: a caring, intelligent, beautiful girl with a brightness of personality and spirit," they wrote. "That smile, that lovely beautiful smile which could instantly brighten any room . . . will be so missed. That heart, so full of love and compassion . . . will be missed. That personality and zest for life . . . will be so missed. That friendly, freckled beautiful face . . . will be so missed."

Because Myers was a member of the Dana Point Youth Board and considered a city official, flags were lowered to half-staff at City Hall. The city issued a statement commending Myers for her activism on the board and for being a library volunteer and an honor roll student.

"Megan was extremely excited by the opportunity to further support her community by joining with other Dana Point youth and contributing her ideas about community events as well as inspiring others to volunteer and participate in community activities," the statement said.

On campus Thursday, students sought out grief counselors, and a makeshift memorial of flowers and cards took shape on school grounds.

The varsity girls cross-country team left for Hawaii on Thursday to compete in another race. A parent who met the girls said they wore shirts saying, "We are running for Megan."

Through the day, students filed into the Myers home offering sympathy.

"They are a tight-knit family and they are handling it well," said Tutton, who is acting as the family spokeswoman. "By well, I mean they are processing it, which means a lot of tears and a lot of discussion."

She said Megan was a reserved, somewhat naive girl with a sweet disposition.

"It wasn't until high school that she really started to come out of her shell," she said. "She had a wonderful aura around her."

A memorial service was being planned, but no date had been set.

david.kelly@latimes.com

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Times editorial assistant Nardine Saad contributed to this report.