The sandstone cliffs are constantly being shaped and reshaped by the sea. Photo: Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
On Saturday afternoon, Oregon State Police responded to a call to the Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. A 25-year-old hiker from California had gone missing. Sadly, he was found dead the next day.
According to reports, Henry Minh Hoang of West Covina, California, was hiking on the wrong side of a safety fence in the Punch Bowl zone of Oregon‘s Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area when he slipped off a ledge.
“The victim was reportedly knocked unconscious from the fall and was swept into the ocean by the waves,” state police said. Witnesses quickly lost lost sight of him.
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is famous for its steep, towering dunes and views of the ocean. It’s a place that’s constantly being shaped and reshaped by the waves. Fences meant to keep visitors off the sandstone cliffs line the edges.
“Beyond the fence, the cliff edge can — and will — crumble without warning,” the Cape Kiwanda website warns. “It’s dangerous, and people have died after climbing over the safety fences.”
Rescuers searched until nightfall, but weren’t able to locate Hoang. When they resumed on Sunday morning, the rescue operation had “transitioned into a likely recovery operation.”
Late Sunday afternoon, Hoang’s body was found on the shoreline, beneath a rocky cliff. His body was reportedly taken to a funeral home nearby. Our condolences to the friends, family, and anyone affected by Hoang’s tragic passing.
