A tragic accident at Buffalo National River in Arkansas has left a family devastated after 13-year-old Kaleb Lynn Eddings fell 200 feet to his death while hiking with a friend.
The Searcy County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call around 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, reporting that a young boy had fallen from Brewer Bluff. Park staff and first responders quickly mobilized to the remote location, hoping to reach Kaleb in time.
Members of the Harrison Fire Department rappelled 260 feet down the cliff while park rangers approached from the river below. Despite their rapid response, the search ended in heartbreak when Kaleb’s father, Tony Eddings, found his son unresponsive at the base of the bluff, PEOPLE reports.
According to authorities, Kaleb lost his footing while hiking and fell approximately 200 feet.
Community and Officials Express Condolences
“Buffalo National River staff and I send our condolences to this young man’s family,” park superintendent Angela Boyers said in a statement, via the New York Post. “We also thank the responders from the local communities that showed up to assist with this incident.”
The news of the accident quickly spread through the tight-knit Arkansas community, prompting an outpouring of grief and sympathy for the Eddings family.
Remembering Kaleb Lynn Eddings
Kaleb’s family described him as a bright, loving boy who brought joy to everyone he met. His obituary shared that he loved collecting Hot Wheels cars with his father, hunting with his grandfather, and playfully teasing his two younger brothers. He also shared a deep bond with his mother.
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“There are no words to express the deafening quiet that has filled the space where Kayleb’s voice once reverberated,” the obituary read. “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.”
Kaleb’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike, even during ordinary moments. As his family grieves, the community continues to rally around them, holding the young boy’s memory close to their hearts.