Deadly Leap: Swimmer Jumps From Cliff, Hits Rocks in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

A 23-year-old San Jose man died Wednesday when he jumped off of a cliff and landed on rocks at a popular swimming hole near Felton in Santa Cruz County, a state park official said.

Rangers and emergency crews responded to a report of a man who jumped 40 feet at the Garden of Eden swimming hole at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and hit the rocks around 4 p.m., State Parks Sgt. Joe Walters said.

When they arrived bystanders were performing CPR on the man and medical personnel provided advanced life support, Walters said.

Crews loaded the man into a Stokes basket that's used in rescue operations and brought the man up to higher ground, according to Walters.

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They continued administering CPR to the man, who was pronounced dead about an hour later, Walters said.

Personnel from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, Cal Fire, Felton Fire Protection District and American Medical Response were also called to the scene, Walters said.

Witnesses reported the man had been jumping off rocks with three friends and consuming alcohol prior to the final jump, according to Walters.

In the past week, rangers have responded to three other major incidents at the swimming hole and the victims in each one are recovering from their injuries, Walters said.

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Last Friday, a woman jumped off of the rocks landed on her tailbone and lower back, according to Walters.

The number of visitors at the swimming hole has "grown drastically" in the past year as more people are posting pictures of the site on social media, Walters said.

There are signs posted at the Garden of Eden that prohibit people from jumping from cliffs, consuming alcohol, bringing their dogs off leashes and starting illegal fires, Walters said.

There are also notices that say no lifeguards are on duty, he said.

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Anyone found in violation of the rules or seen participating in unsafe recreational activities can face citations, according to Walters.

"Rules and regulations are there for a reason, to keep members of the public safe and to have an enjoyable time at the park," he said.

--Bay City News; LA Sheriff's Office