An Arkansas family are grieving the unspeakable loss of a 13-year-old boy who died after falling 200-feet from Brewer Bluff at the Buffalo National River.
The world is fraught with risk, we’ve all been involved in enough accidents, scraped and bumped ourselves enough times, to know that. As a parent, you’re well aware that your children are going to get hurt from time to time. What you hope is that their resulting injuries are little more than necessary lessons, reminders to be more careful next time.
Sadly, that’s not always the case. According to the New York Post, 13-year-old Kaleb Lynn Eddings was on a hike with a friend when he lost his footing and fell from Brewer Bluff.
The fatal accident played out on Saturday, October 18 when the Searcy County Sheriff’s Office received a report around 11 a.m. that a 13-year-old boy had fallen from a cliff.
Park staff and first responders descended on the scene in an effort to find and potentially save Kaleb’s life. Members of Harrison Fire Department reportedly rappelled 260 feet down the bluff while park rangers approached from the river below.
In a tragic twist of fate, it was the young teen’s father, Tony Eddings, who found him unresponsive.
Police stated on Facebook that Kaleb had lost his footing while on the aforementioned bluff, falling about 200 feet.
“Buffalo National River staff and I send our condolences to this young man’s family,” park Superintendent Angela Boyers said in the statement, per the New York Post. “We also thank the responders from the local communities that showed up to assist with this incident.”
In Kayleb’s obituary, his family described him as “loved by everyone who had the fortune to meet him.”
The memorial noted he was fond of collecting Hot Wheels with his dad, hunting with his grandpa, and “aggravating” his two younger brothers. It also detailed that he shared a close bond with his mom.
“There are no words to express the deafening quiet that has filled the space where Kayleb’s voice once reverberated,” the obituary added. “While that space will never be filled, one can find comfort in whispering of the wind, the flutter of a butterfly, the beauty of a buck and most of all, the eternal presence of God.”
Rest in peace, Kaleb Lynn Eddings.
