Monterey Police Officials believe Thursday’s incident in which a 9-year-old boy lost his life after falling from a cliff at Bee Rock Overlook was an accident.
Public Information Officer David Corley said the investigation continues. Investigators believe the child got too close to the edge before falling. Corley said there is no safety railing or fencing to prevent people from falling and added that, despite the lack of safety measures, incidents like this are rare.
“From time to time, there are injuries from people just getting hurt climbing and things like that, but an incident of this nature is a very, very rare occurrence,” Corley said.
Corley said the child’s body has been recovered, and the state’s medical examiner is performing an autopsy. He said that without railing or fencing, Bee Rock is a “use at your own risk” space.
“I guess you could say that,” Corley said. “It’s just kind of a wide-open natural space where a lot of people go every day to look out over the rocks. Some rappel, some climb, some hike through there, and there are many visitors locally and from all over who come to Bee Rock every day.”
Corley said he is not sure whether safety had been a major concern at Bee Rock prior to Thursday’s incident, but added he would not be surprised if the tragedy leads to discussions about safety.
“I’m sure as we work through this incident, there will be discussions at all levels about protocols, safety features, and things of that nature,” Corley said. “As of right now, I really could not give you an educated answer on exactly what conversations are happening. Our focus at the moment is the investigation, but I’m sure the safety aspect of this incident will be looked at and discussed going forward.”
Corley said the incident is a tragedy, and the department’s thoughts and prayers are with the child’s family.