A dream family holiday to Scotland turned into an unimaginable nightmare for a Hertfordshire family when a mother fell to her death from a treacherous cliff edge while taking a selfie.
The 47-year-old woman, who has not been named, was enjoying a day out with her husband and 19-year-old son near the historic Cloch Lighthouse in Inverclyde when tragedy struck. Witnesses reported she was attempting to capture a photograph with her son near the precipice when she lost her footing and plummeted onto rocks below.
Emergency services, including the HM Coastguard rescue teams from Greenock and Helensburgh, rushed to the scene alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland. Despite their rapid response, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her devastated son and husband were treated for shock following the horrific incident.
The Cloch Lighthouse, while offering breathtaking views of the Firth of Clyde towards Dunoon, is known for its dangerously steep and unstable cliffs. Local authorities have repeatedly warned visitors about venturing too close to the edge, particularly for photography.
A Growing and Deadly Trend
This heartbreaking incident highlights the increasingly common phenomenon of 'selfie-related deaths' at tourist spots worldwide. The pursuit of the perfect social media photo has led numerous individuals to underestimate risks near cliffs, waterfalls, and other natural hazards.
Local councillor David Wilson expressed his condolences, stating: "This is an absolute tragedy for the family involved. Our thoughts are with them. It's also a stark reminder of the dangers these cliffs present. They can be very deceptive and extremely dangerous."
An investigation into the exact circumstances of the fall is being carried out by Police Scotland, though they have confirmed they are not treating the death as suspicious. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
