Young straight-A cheerleader killed in freak accident on US beach

An American teenage cheerleader was killed on a beach after she was crushed under a heavy log and drowned.

Aurora Genai Sheffel, 14, perished in front of her helpless high school friends on Sunday (AEDT) at South Jetty Park beach, Oregon.

The group had been standing on a log during a strong receding tide, before it rolled over and pinned Ms Sheffel under the water, Oregon Live reports.

Police and emergency crews eventually moved the log off Ms Sheffel but it was too late.

The teenager was pronounced dead at hospital.

"They were just taking pictures and posing," David Wederquist, the girl's step-father told The Register-Guard.

Wederquist said Ms Sheffel was a straight-A student and a promising high school cheerleader.

Sneaker waves are a common occurrence along Oregon's Pacific coastline, particularly at this time of year.

Seventeen people have been killed by sneaker waves on Oregon's beaches since 2000, according to Oregon Live.

Many are fatally injured by sneaker waves hitting and rolling incredibly heavy logs strewn across Oregon's beaches.

Ms Sheffel's cheerleading squad posted a heartfelt tribute on Facebook on Monday (AEDT).

"Aurora was a young lady with so much promise and energy. Her smile would light up any room and her personality made everyone happy," the post stated.

EDIT: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated Ms Sheffel was taking a selfie when the accident occurred.