Lier/Ireland –
A student from Lier fell to his death from a cliff on the Irish west coast on Saturday. The young woman lost her balance while visiting the famous Cliffs of Moher. “I hoped for the best, but immediately feared the worst,” says a witness.
Hannelore Schmitz, Helen Baccaert, Jarit Taelman, Marc Klifman and Annelies Baeten
Today at 6:26 am
The young Erasmus student RB from KU Leuven studied at a university in Edinburgh, Scotland, but was on holiday in Ireland with three fellow students. Last Saturday the foursome stopped at the Cliffs of Moher, a tourist attraction. The place is known for its beautiful views. At the highest point there is a height difference of 214 meters.
“Suddenly I saw a helicopter spinning around in the sky,” says American visitor Michelle Falesch, who was at the scene at the time of the tragic accident. “Fire trucks and ambulances rushed there. I immediately realized what was going on. I hoped for a good outcome, but I feared the worst.”
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Friends saw everything happen
The Philosophy student from Lier didn’t stand a chance. She fell from a height of 120 meters into the sea, where there are also many rocks against the cliffs. The water is also ice cold. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the death of our compatriot throughout the day yesterday. The woman’s fellow students saw everything happening before their eyes and, in complete shock, raised the alarm.
“The body was removed from the water by the rescue services,” a spokeswoman for the Garda, the Irish police, told Het Nieuwsblad. “Another autopsy will take place. Everything points to a tragic accident. There is no question of malicious intent.” (Read more below the photo)
Signs warn of danger. — © Michelle Falesch
It is not the first time that deaths have occurred at that location. In January 2019, a 26-year-old Indian fell down while trying to take a selfie. In June 2007, a Hungarian man in his twenties also died during his trip to the Cliffs of Moher. He was also taking photos with friends. “There are signs everywhere that warn you that you have to pay attention,” says Michelle Falesch. “In principle you always have to follow the laid out path, but if you want you can also deviate from it…”
A resident who knows the place well talks about ‘terraces’ where you can take beautiful photos, but which are also very treacherous. The wind can also suddenly pick up strongly, causing you to quickly lose your balance. Striking: a memorial stone reminds visitors that several people lost their lives on the cliffs of Moher.
The KUL accommodates students who need it. “They can contact the student services department,” it sounds. The student’s family declined to comment last night.
A memorial stone remembers the people who died on the Cliffs of Moher — © Michelle Falesch
Presumably that’s what happened to the student.