A 15-year-old girl, trapped after a fatal disaster at a Bay of Plenty campground, has been remembered as a gifted performer whose talent, passion, and future were already taking shape.
Sharon Maccanico, a Pakūranga College student, remains one of six people unaccounted for after a fatal landslide struck a Mount Maunganui campground on Thursday.
In the days before the disaster, Maccanico was on summer holiday with family and her friend, Max Furse-Kee, also 15 and a Pakūranga College student, who is among those missing. A final photo of the pair together was shared just four days ago.
For those who danced alongside her, the loss is deeply felt.
Rebecca Grey, of RGD Studio in Auckland, told the Herald the past few days had been “heavy” for staff, as the news spread through the studio and the wider dance community.
“There’s a lot of deep sadness across my studio and our dancers. ”Many knew her across the wider NZ dance community,” Gray said.
“I think everyone’s just feeling this deep sense of sadness and heartbreak for the loss of someone so incredible.”
Maccanico joined the RGD studio in 2022 and quickly became a core member of their top junior hip hop crew.
Her ability stood out early. At just 12, she competed with her crew at the Hip Hop World championships in Arizona, placing 9th in their first year of competition.
Gray said Maccanico’s talent was undeniable and her future was “incredibly bright”. She had a deep love for dance, was passionate, and committed, leaving a lasting mark on the studio.
Watching Maccanico train and perform with the other girls showed how she “became more than a dancer”.
Gray said the young dancer had been involved in many parts of the New Zealand dance community.
“Which just makes this that much more heartbreaking.”
“She truly became family, and I think that’s what makes this that much harder.”
Gray described Maccanico as a “rare soul” who was “exceptionally talented” and “danced with heart”.
“She was someone who people were just drawn to. She had a beautiful way of connecting with people.
“She was kind, she was inclusive, and she just genuinely accepted everybody,” she said.
On Facebook, a dance mother shared a tribute after learning of Maccanico’s disappearance. Though she did not know Sharon personally, her daughter danced alongside her.
“As a mum, I can’t stop thinking about Sharon and her family. My heart feels so heavy for them,” the post read.
“The landslide at the Mount has shaken so many of us. Six people are not coming home. Six families facing an unimaginable loss.”
She said the tragedy was a reminder of how quickly life could change.
“Tonight I’m holding my girls a little closer and sending so much love to everyone hurting right now, especially the families, friends and dance community grieving such a heartbreaking loss.”
The Identity Dance Company also paid tribute, describing Maccanico as “wildly talented, kind, and so deeply loved”.
“She was a huge part of the community and known across Auckland for her kindness, support and dedication to showing up wherever dance was happening,” the post said.
“Her energy, spirit and light will never be forgotten. Our hearts are with her loved ones and with everyone in the community who is feeling this loss.
“Rest in love, beautiful girl.”
Meanwhile, recovery work at Mount Maunganui was halted this morning as a precaution, Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said.
At 11.50am, efforts were paused due to concerns about a potential further slip. Geotechnical experts are assessing the site, and teams will resume once it is deemed safe.
Delays were frustrating, Anderson said, but safety remained paramount.
“We will resume our search as soon as possible.”
Further updates will be released as information becomes available.
Malisha Kumar is a multimedia journalist based in Hamilton. She joined the Waikato Herald in 2023 after working for Radio 1XX in Whakatāne.