West Point cadet falls to death at popular cliff-diving location
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A West Point cadet fell to his death at a popular cliff-diving spot upstate New York, according to cops.
The young man was “hanging onto a rock ledge” at Fawn’s Leap in the Green County town of Hunter when a portion of the rock suddenly broke off — causing his fatal tumble, police said in a press release.
Life saving measures were attempted at the scene, but were unsuccessful.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}ORLANDO MAN WHO LOST 25 PERCENT OF SKIN TO BACTERIA HAS DIED
The man, whose name was being withheld for 24 hours per Dept. of Defense policy, was described as a Cadet Candidate at the US Military Academy. It was unclear if he was attempting a dive at Fawn’s Leap when he fell.
The swimming hole is located along a stretch of Kaaterskill Creek, which is famous for its crystal-clear water and steep cliffs. Videos and pictures posted online show people taking epic leaps of faith — some at heights over 50 feet.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The area, which is roughly 110 miles north of Manhattan, has become a popular spot for Instagrammers.
At least four people have died while attempting to snap pictures for the gram, according to the New York Times, which spoke to a state forest ranger about the dangerous craze last August.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“Just talking to people who come up here, they say, ‘Yeah, we saw this on the internet — we’re trying to find it,’ ” said Ranger Rob Dawson. “The unfortunate thing is, with those pictures, there’s nothing informing people that you could get seriously hurt here, too.”