SLO County woman killed in crash remembered for kindness, many talents
From the fighting ring to the dance floor, communities around SLO County are mourning the loss of Trista Loftus Stordahl, who died in crash on Highway 58 last week.
Trista was known as a dancer, cheerleader, mixed martial artist and fierce friend, her mom, Tierra Loftus Stordahl, told The Tribune.
“Trista was only here for a short while. However, she did a lot of living and a lot more loving in her 21 years of life than most people ever get to,” Stordahl said.
Starting at a young age, Trista found success in competitive mixed martial arts.
At just 6 years old, she earned the nickname “Firecracker” for her explosive fighting style and fiery red hair.
“She showed us how fierce she was by fighting a boy who was bigger than her and more advanced,” her mother told The Tribune.
By 14, she was competing in the United States Fight League — and bringing home titles.
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“If Trista wanted to do something, not only did she accomplish it in record time, but she excelled and exceeded all expectations,” Loftus Stordahl said.
Trista also participated in cheerleading at Atascadero High School, where she served as cheer captain during her senior year. More recently, she had taken up line dancing at Libertine Brewery.
Loftus Stordahl accompanied her daughter to the dance lessons, starting in November 2023. They continued to go together every week.
“I absolutely was terribly untalented, but yet somehow she made even her own two-left-foot mama look fabulously good,” Loftus Stordahl said.
Jordyn Hilliker, a line dancing instructor at Libertine Brewery and close friend of Trista’s, told The Tribune that she brought “infinite energy” to the dance floor.
“I never saw her without a smile on her face, and she lit up every room she ever walked into,” Hilliker said. “Every time I step onto the dance floor now, it will be for her.”
Trista volunteered with the Conservation Ambassadors at Zoo to You in Paso Robles. She planned to start nursing school in September, and ultimately, she wanted to join the U.S. Air Force.
But beyond Trista’s many talents, her family and friends say she will be most remembered for her kindness and bubbly personality.
“Trista was a true friend to everyone. She welcomed people into the dancing community like no other,” Hilliker said.
“She’ll be most remembered for her kindness to absolutely anybody,” her mom told The Tribune. “She was the cheerleader’s cheerleader.”
A Go Fund Me organized in Trista’s memory had raised $11,200 as of Sept. 18. Her family expressed their gratitude to the community for its generosity.
“I want everybody to know how special that is for all of us, and how much it has helped us,” Loftus Stordahl said.
A memorial service for Trista will be held at Zoo to You in Paso Robles on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 4 p.m. Anyone who loved Trista is welcome to attend, her family says.
Trista is survived by her parents, Tierra and Timothy Loftus Stordahl; sister Trinity; brothers Trey and James; and numerous other family members.
This story was originally published September 19, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
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