After graduating from Notre Dame Prep in 2006, Ms. Crafton attended the University of Maryland, College Park for a year before withdrawing.
"She wanted to find herself and explore other options. She loved animals, especially cats, and since January was working for the Tri County Humane Society in Delray, Fla.," said her mother, Lisa T. Crafton of Severna Park.
Ms. Crafton had studied violin and had attended fiddle camp in Nova Scotia, a place she had come to love, her mother said.
She was an accomplished sailor and a certified instructor who enjoyed teaching sailing to at-risk children at the Downtown Sailing Center and Getaway Sailing in Baltimore.
After becoming a certified white-water rafting guide, Ms. Crafton led trips in Harpers Ferry, W.Va. She also enjoyed rock climbing.
Nat Kennedy, who works with Outward Bound in tech support, is also an accomplished sailor and a friend.
"She was fantastic and very confident when on a boat. She enjoyed teaching sailing to those children, taking them out, and passing on her knowledge," said Mr. Kennedy, who also taught sailing in Baltimore and now lives in Knoxville, Frederick County.
"These were 10- and 12-year-old kids, and she connected with them. They were attracted to her, and it was always fun watching them handle the boat as they came back to the dock," he said.
Mrs. Crafton said her daughter always wanted to "challenge herself" and that she "found that challenge in the outdoors."
Mrs. Walker recalled how shocked she was when she learned of Ms. Crafton's death. "Since I've been at NDP, we've lost several students. You just never, ever get used to it," she said.
At Ms. Crafton's request, her ashes will be spread outdoors.
A service celebrating her life will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at Oregon Ridge Lodge, 13401 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville.
Also surviving are her father, James B. Crafton of Severna Park; paternal grandparents Richard C. and Mary Ellen Crafton of Severna Park; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
