A 17-year-old girl died after falling roughly 30 meters (nearly 100 feet) from a cliff at Moffat Beach, Queensland, on Dec. 13. Emergency services were alerted around 6:40 p.m.; witnesses and friends administered first aid but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say the group climbed over a viewing railing to photograph the sunset; one person suffered a minor injury while helping. Authorities are preparing a coroner’s report and investigations are ongoing.
17-Year-Old Dies After Falling Nearly 100 Feet While Taking Sunset Photo at Queensland's Moffat Beach
GettyMoffat Beach in Queensland, Australia
A 17-year-old girl died after falling from a cliff at Moffat Beach on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast on Dec. 13, authorities said. Emergency services were alerted at about 6:40 p.m., and the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining critical injuries.
What Happened
Queensland Police Service (QPS) said the group of teenage friends had climbed over a viewing railing to get a better view of the sunset and to take photos. As the group made their way back up the embankment, the 17-year-old slipped and fell approximately 30 meters (nearly 100 feet) onto rocks below.
GettyMoffat Beach in Queensland, Australia
“They’re young girls … doing nothing other than enjoying life. Unfortunately, one wrong footstep has caused her to fall,”
Detective Acting Inspector Peter Hocken told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Immediate Response and Investigation
Friends and other witnesses provided immediate first aid at the scene. One woman sustained a minor injury while attempting to help before emergency crews arrived. Queensland Police confirmed they are preparing a report for the coroner and that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the fall.
Safety Warnings
Ryan Dubyk of Queensland Fire and Rescue urged visitors to respect safety barriers at coastal lookout points. In a statement to 9News he warned: “Especially this time of the year, but throughout the whole year, just please respect the barriers that are put in place. Just stay back.”
PATRICK HAMILTON/AFP /AFP via GettyA police vehicle in Queensland, Australia
The Queensland tourism website notes that Moffat Beach is a lesser-known spot on the Sunshine Coast, less than a 90-minute drive from Brisbane, and that the beach is not patrolled — visitors are advised to be wary of waves and coastal hazards.
Context
Authorities continue their inquiries and will provide further details through the coroner’s report. The community has been left shaken by the sudden death of a teenager who was reportedly taking photographs and enjoying time with friends.
