A tragic scene unfolded in northern Arkansas over the weekend when a father found his 13-year-old son dead after a fall from a 200-foot bluff at Buffalo National River, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred on Saturday, October 18, according to a statement from the National Park Service (NPS).
The Searcy County Sheriff’s Office received a report shortly before 11 a.m. that a teenage boy had fallen from a cliff near Brewer Bluff in the park’s Middle District
Emergency crews, park staff, and local volunteers immediately mobilized to the area.
The search crews included the Harrison Fire Department, search-and-rescue teams, and Survival Flight.
Firefighters rappelled more than 260 feet down the bluff as park rangers approached from below.
The victim, identified as Kayleb Lynn Eddings, was found unresponsive by his father, Toby Eddings.
The devastated dad was among the first to reach him, according to local outlet KHBS.
“Buffalo National River staff and I send our condolences to this young man’s family,” said Park Superintendent Angela Boyers.
“We also thank the responders from the local communities that showed up to assist with this incident.”
A Heartbreaking Accident
Officials said the 13-year-old had been exploring the area with a friend when he lost his footing near the edge of the overlook and fell roughly 200 feet.
The Department of the Interior, which oversees the NPS, confirmed there are no ongoing safety advisories in the area and said there is no danger to the public.
The Searcy County Sheriff’s Office and NPS are jointly investigating the incident.
Authorities have urged park visitors to use caution in the rugged terrain.
“The terrain in the Buffalo National River area can be rugged and steep,” the park’s statement said.
“Visitors should always stay a safe distance from the edge when enjoying overlooks.”
Remembering Kayleb
Kayleb, an eighth grader at Ozark Mountain School District, was remembered by his family and community as a joyful, kindhearted boy whose “bright, jovial personality had no rival,” according to his obituary.
“While there are many words to describe Kayleb, the most accurate and profound word is LOVE,” his family wrote.
“Kayleb was loved by everyone who had the fortune to meet him.”
He loved riding his four-wheeler, collecting Hot Wheels with his father, hunting with his grandfather, and spending time with friends.
Above all, his family said, he loved spending time with his younger brothers, especially his youngest brother, nicknamed “Bean.”
“There are no words to express the deafening quiet that has filled the space where Kayleb’s voice once reverberated,” his family wrote.
“While that space will never be filled, one can find comfort in the whispering of the wind, the flutter of a butterfly, the beauty of a buck, and most of all, the eternal presence of God.”
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, October 23, at 2:30 p.m. in the St. Joe School gymnasium in St. Joe, Arkansas.
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