Cliff death teenager is named
THE second teenager to fall to his death from cliffs in a popular Westcountry seaside resort in just over a week has been named.
Student Paddy Higgins, 16, was discovered dead at the base of 70ft cliffs on Tolcarne beach, Newquay, after a night out.
At this time of year the town thrives with thousands of students celebrating the end of their exams.
The teenager's body was found in the early hours of Monday not far from the dozens of bars and nightclubs that line the sheer cliff above.
Paddy, of Winnersh, near Reading in Berkshire, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The tragedy came just eight days after Andrew Curwell, 18, from Saddleworth, Lancashire, was found at the foot of cliffs at nearby Great Western Beach.
The Leeds Rhinos' rugby academy player, was on holiday with friends to celebrate the end of his A-level exams when he fell from the cliffs.
A third teenager was found unconscious near the bottom of cliffs in the town in an unrelated incident. The 16-year-old plummeted about 70 feet down a 100ft drop near the Atlantic Hotel in Newquay and was thought he may have been there all night.
The youngster, from Marlow, Buckinghamshire, suffered serious injuries, including a broken neck.
Moving tributes were left on Paddy's page on the social networking website Facebook from grieving friends, who described him as an "amazing person" who was "loved by everyone".
Friend Luke Wallace wrote: "Loved ya Paddy, great mate, never forget you."
Evie Kelleher added: "I'm still as shocked as when I first heard.
"You made a difference to everyone who knew you."
Following the spate of accidents police have issued a stark warning to thousands of youngsters who visit Newquay.
Inspector Dave Meredith, of Newquay police, said: "This frequency of cliff falls is quite unprecedented.
"The police are appealing to all people visiting Newquay this summer to be aware of the dangers of going near cliff areas after consuming alcohol.
"There are no suspicious circumstances to any of these incidents.
"All three recent incidents involved young males under 19 years of age who were visiting Newquay on holiday.
"Although the consumption of alcohol cannot be directly linked to any of these incidents, the police are appealing to all persons visiting Newquay this summer to be aware of the dangers of going near cliff areas after consuming alcohol."
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by Jo, Newquay
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 3:20PM
“I dont think the majority are suggesting the whole coastline is fenced, that IS a ridiculous notion. Im not speaking for the entire coastline, basically there are a couple of patches where the cliffs are a little sketchy. Its not a big area. A few of the deaths over the last few years have been from these spots. The nearest drinking hole is a few hundred yards from one of these spots. There is room for the other factors to be argued regarding the drinker and where the responsibility lies etc but what is the harm in risk assessing these few hot spots where deaths keep happening. Why has this turned into "fencing the Cornish coastline". We have a memorial for one unfortunate boy from the 80's and the wall was erected higher. I hope Newquay could be a little more sypathetic to the poor family who have lost their 16 year old son.”
by danielle, newquay
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 7:45AM
“I have lived here all my life and its gone downhill an awful lot...i dont see why we should have to erect fencing that high and spoil our coastal views because of some stupid and very foolish 16yr old holidaymakers! If they stuck to the main roads they wouldnt be falling off!”
by Mark, Merthyr Tydfil
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 7:05AM
“Yet again Newquay is hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons. The national media, GMTV etc, are having a field day, blaming Newquay, its bar owners, Police and residents for the recent deaths and injuries. Unfortunately, it seems the responsibility that parents and the youngsters themselves should take for their own personal safety is being ignored, as Britain has developed the American "blame culture" in recent years. We visit Newquay 3 or 4 times each year and take the weekly newspaper, and the efforts that are being made by many of the bars in stopping entry to under 18's is very evident. However, it's very difficult for anyone to prevent kids drinking alcohol if they bring suitcases of wine etc with them from their homes, as has been shown on TV earlier this week. As long time residents of Newquay have said in previous postings, cliff deaths have been happening for decades, but are highlighted more these days because of the media spotlight. To start putting walls and railings around the fantastic Newquay coastline would be unthinkable - a more sensible solution to recent events is for everyone, of all ages, to take personal responsibility for their own safety and health, and not jump on the blame bandwagon every time something happens in Newquay.”
by John Rhodes, United Kingdom
Monday, July 13 2009, 6:48PM
“A tragic shame about Paddy's death BUT don't blame Newquay. His parents naturally want to 'guilt-shift the blame' but youngsters drink to excess EVERYWHERE. There just happen to be cliffs by the sea. They get run over in other parts or drown in rivers!! Its the parents responsibility to look after their kids!”
by angela, newquay
Monday, July 13 2009, 2:14PM
“Jo - thanks for the comments about knowing the history of these cliffs. Unfortunately I know the history too well --- a family member went over many years ago - sober !!!
2 lads i knew very well have also gone over - on separate occasions -one survived and one didnt.
But I still would not blame Newquay - accidents happen wherever you live!!!”