A tragic incident at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland resulted in the untimely death of a 20-year-old student, Roxan Bastaens, last year. The cause of her death was determined to be accidental, as she fell to her demise after slipping in a large puddle near the cliff’s edge. Roxan, a student at the University of Edinburgh, was exploring the area with three friends when the tragic accident occurred in May 2024. The Clare Coroner’s Court in Kilrush, County Clare heard details of the incident during a recent hearing.
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According to reports from the BBC, RTÉ, and The Irish Times, Roxan’s friends, who were with her at the time of the accident, tried to save her but the situation unfolded too rapidly. The coroner, Isobel O’Dea, confirmed that Roxan’s death was the result of polytrauma due to multiple injuries sustained during the fall, and it would have been instantaneous, sparing her from suffering. Eyewitness testimonies from Roxan’s friends revealed the harrowing moments leading up to her tragic fall.
The group of friends embarked on a hike along the Cliffs of Moher, a popular tourist destination, on May 4, 2024. Giulia Bracchi, one of Roxan’s friends, described the trail as initially safe but became slippery and lacked barriers in certain areas. The friends encountered a significant puddle while hiking, leading to Roxan’s fatal slip. The friends’ accounts painted a picture of the unfortunate sequence of events that led to Roxan’s fall and the frantic efforts to save her.
Despite their efforts, Roxan’s friends were unable to prevent her fall, with Bracchi recalling Roxan tumbling down the cliffs before disappearing from sight. The friends immediately contacted emergency services for help, and Roxan’s body was recovered from the water by a Royal National Lifeboat Institution boat later that day. Subsequent investigations confirmed that neither alcohol nor drugs played a role in the tragic incident.
Family members who attended the inquest were informed that the exact location of the accident had been fenced off and inaccessible to the public since August 2024. The section of the Cliffs of Moher where Roxan fell remains closed, with authorities emphasizing the challenging terrain and height of the cliffs. The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with exploring natural landscapes, prompting a renewed focus on safety measures and precautions for visitors.
The community mourns the loss of Roxan Bastaens, a promising young student whose life was cut short in a tragic accident. The incident underscores the importance of vigilance and caution when engaging in outdoor activities, particularly in rugged terrains like the Cliffs of Moher. As friends and family continue to grieve, authorities are reminded of the ongoing need to ensure the safety of visitors to such iconic landmarks, preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The impact of Roxan’s death reverberates through her community and beyond, serving as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the unforeseen dangers that can accompany even the most routine activities. As investigations conclude and safety measures are reviewed, Roxan’s memory lives on as a symbol of the importance of cherishing each moment and prioritizing safety in all endeavours.