A terrifying new video shows the moment a 17-year-old boy leaped from San Diego’s famous Sunset Cliffs and slammed into the jagged rocks below before tumbling into the ocean.
The footage, recorded from two different angles, captures the teen taking a running start toward the edge at a spot known for illegal cliff jumping.
One angle shows him racing across the sandy ground before launching himself from the ledge. Within seconds, his lower body crashes against the rocky cliffside as stunned onlookers watch from above.
The newly released side view appears to show that the teenager may not have fully committed to the jump before reaching the edge. His legs continued making a running motion after he was already airborne, and the sloping sand beneath his feet may have thrown off his takeoff.
After striking the rocks, the teen bounced away from the cliff and fell into the churning water.
A loud collective groan could be heard from the crowd as the horrifying impact unfolded. One bystander quickly jumped into the ocean to help him.
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The extent of the teen’s injuries has not been publicly released.
The incident reportedly happened at approximately 4:30 p.m. last weekend. Emergency crews transported the teen to a hospital by about 5:15 p.m., San Diego Fire-Rescue Public Information Officer Candace Hadley told NBC 7.
Officials issued another urgent warning following the frightening incident.
“We want locals and visitors to enjoy San Diego’s coastline safely,” Hadley said. “Please stay back from cliff edges, follow all posted warnings and never jump from cliffs or other elevated areas into the water.”
Cliff jumping remains popular near Sunset Cliffs Boulevard despite posted warnings, possible fines and the risk of arrest.
People frequently jump from a natural rock formation in the area even though the cliffs, shifting sand, hidden rocks and powerful waves can make the activity deadly.
In 2019, a 15-year-old boy died after jumping from the cliffs and remaining underwater for nearly an hour.
A previous report found that Sunset Cliffs averaged approximately five deaths or injuries each year between 2005 and 2017.
The latest video offers another brutal reminder that a single misstep at the cliff’s edge can turn a reckless stunt into a life-threatening emergency.
