New footage has emerged showing a 17-year-old male jumping from the renowned Sunset Cliffs in San Diego and impacting the rocks below. The incident occurred last weekend around 4:30 p.m. and the teen was transported to the hospital by 5:15 p.m., according to a San Diego Fire-Rescue Public Information Officer. The extent of his injuries is currently unknown.
The video, captured from multiple angles, depicts the teen running before leaping off the cliff, a location notorious for illegal cliff diving. One angle suggests the individual may not have fully committed to the jump before takeoff, with his running motion continuing after becoming airborne. The sloping sand at the cliff's edge may have also played a role in his launch.
After the impact, a crowd reacted with audible dismay, and a bystander reportedly came to the teen's aid. San Diego Fire-Rescue officials urge the public to exercise caution along the coastline. "We want locals and visitors to enjoy San Diego’s coastline safely. Please stay back from cliff edges, follow all posted warnings and never jump from cliffs or other elevated areas into the water," stated Officer Candace Hadley.
Despite frequent warnings, fines, and legal restrictions, cliff diving near Sunset Cliffs Boulevard remains a popular activity among both locals and tourists. Signs indicating potential penalties are often disregarded by individuals who jump from the cliffs.
Records indicate a history of serious incidents at Sunset Cliffs. Between 2005 and 2017, an average of five deaths and injuries occurred annually at the location. In 2019, a 15-year-old boy died after jumping from the cliffs and being submerged for nearly an hour.