Slush Pile: IGNORING SIGNS CAN BE FATAL

2008 Slush Pile

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IGNORING SIGNS CAN BE FATAL

2008 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance

REFERENCES:

http://www.surfermag.com/features/onlineexclusives/man-dies-blacks-cliffslide-torrey-pines-8-21-08/

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080821-9999-1m21torrey.html

Reference to past event in most recent collapse:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080922-1403-bn22cliff.html

This last link also contains a list of the past couple decades of injury/fatality events related to cliff collapses. Search on TORREY PINES CLIFF COLLAPSE to get additional refernces such as MSNBC if necessary.

STORY: I've left out the name out of respect for the family - figuring you would not use the real name anyway.

Sometimes the places we enjoy visiting are attractive, in part because they are not the safest places - but most of us still manage to come home unscathed. The beach at Torrey Pines lies directly below 300 foot sea cliffs which are notoriously unstable. Our award candidate was a frequent visitor so he clearly knew the risks and dangers. There was a clearly visibile sign within 10 yards of the spot of his untimely demise warning that the cliff above him was unstable and should be avoided. The large pile of recently collapsed rock and dirt right next to the spot he chose and the ominously unstable section of cliff directly above him gave clear and present warning this was a bad place to linger. Yet he still apprached the cliff "to take off his shoes", according to witnesses. Pity that just at that moment gravity won and the cliff collapsed right on top of him. We can only hope he was killed instantly and relatively painlessly. It is also worth noting that this is the second of three cliff failures in the area within the last two months - the third having taken place Monday morning, September 22, 2008. This most recent collapse was about 100 tons, or about 100 times the one that killed our Darwin candidate. It totally buried a popular path around the point at the feature alternately known as flat rock or bathtub rock, depending on who you ask. So far we haven't heard of any additional Darwin candidates under the latest debris pile - but that could change as the spot is popular from sunup to sundown. The latest collapse covered a triangi;ar area with a base and altitude of approximately 75 feet. If anyone was under it when it went they're certainly still there, for the time being anyway.

If you want photos or additional information, let me know - I'll run up there & snap some for you!

Submitted on 09/22/2008

Submitted by: Greg Harris
Reference: MULTIPLE - SEE STORY - September 2008

>> Moderator Scores <<

Candi said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
This guy was a moron! If a cliff had a history of instability, esp. RECENT instability, I wouldn't be with a mile of it! But next time, please could you put the references at the end of the story? It's easier on the brain. Thanks, Greg!

Bruce said:
Definitely Toss: Lacks Excellence
I have to disagree on this one after reading the referenced articles. There were apparently complaints that the signs warning of the danger weren't prominent enough, and that fences should have been put up around the dangerous areas. Here in the northeast sand dune fences are all over the place protecting dangerous or environmentally sensitive areas. I just don't see the proof that this guy acted with the stupidity required of an award. Thanks just the same.

James said:
Definitely Toss: Lacks Excellence
I will write this off to incredibly bad luck/timing rather than as a blatant act of stupidity. Thanks just the same, Greg!

Graham said:
Definitely Toss: Lacks Excellence
The opeartive word here is "notorious". He knew the dangers but still took his chances. Not too smart in my book.

Tracy said:
Definitely Toss: Lacks Excellence
Sorry but I do feel that although there was previous instability, the links do point towards the signs not being very obvious, and therefore, I don't think the guy was being over-stupid. Thanks anyway

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2008 Slush Pile

IGNORING SIGNS CAN BE FATAL

2008 Reader Submission Pending Acceptance

2008 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance