A student from Dublin has died during a kayaking trip in the US.

Ella Mills, who was studying at Columbia University in New York, died in the incident in Washington DC on Sunday afternoon.

The third year Trinity College student had arrived in the US earlier this month.

The Trinity College Dublin says its community is grieving the tragic loss of Ella Mills, an English Studies student who passed away on Sunday.

"Ella was studying at Columbia University as part of a dual BA programme with Trinity. Her family, friends and classmates are in our minds at this difficult time".

Dean and Professor at Columbia University, Lisa Rosen-Metsch, said, "Ella had a love for learning, was intellectually curious, and passionate about literature—eager to soak in new ways of looking at literature and viewing the world as a literary scholar.

"She was an active member of the Trinity College Dublin community as part of the Trinity College Dublin drama society, the DU Players, the Trinity College Dublin Tennis Club, and the Philosophical Society, among many others.

"She is survived by her loving parents, brother, and sister. Our thoughts and compassion are with them at this very difficult time".

Columbia University Library, New York City in October 2009. Image: P.Spiro / Alamy Stock Photo

A reflection service to remember her was held at Columbia University on Monday evening.

Expressing her condolences, Columbia University President, Minouche Shafik, said "As you may know, Ella Mills, a student of ours at Columbia’s School of General Studies, died tragically in a kayaking accident on a trip with the Columbia University Whitewater Kayaking Club.

"Words cannot express how heartbroken I feel for her family, her friends, her loved ones, and those students from the University who were with her on this trip".

The Department of Foreign Affairs says it is "aware of this tragic incident and is providing support and assistance to the family".