Teen dies in 60ft cliff fall trying to protect brother on Cornwall holiday
A teenage boy died after falling 60ft from a cliff while trying to protect his brother on a holiday in Cornwall.
Toby Hart, 16, fell on to the beach where his parents were sitting after slipping and falling while trying to ensure his brother with special needs, Stephen, 11, did not get too close to the edge.
The brothers, along with a friend called Jamie, had climbed up the headland overlooking the village of Cadgwith on the Lizard Peninsula and were on the second day of their holiday when Toby fell.
An inquest in Truro on Tuesday heard how Toby's father, Graham, ran across the beach following the incident and found his son wedged between two boulders.
An off-duty nurse, Phillipa Sharp, who was visiting Cadgwith on a day-trip, tried to resuscitate him.
He was flown to the Royal Cornwall Hospital by air ambulance, but died later that day from head injuries.
Ms Sharp told the inquest that she saw Toby "cartwheeling" through the the air, hitting the cliff twice after his fall, reports the Daily Mail.
Coroner Emmma Carlyon recorded a verdict of accidental death.
The BBC reports that Toby's parents said there were no warning signs of the dangers, although they didn't believe that would have prevented his death.
According to the Daily Mail and the Daily Telegraph, Graham said after the inquest: "Toby and Jamie have always been very close.
"They would always keep Stephen in between them to ensure his safety, even if that was just walking down a path.
"He had a fantastic personality and everyone loved him. We will remember him for his cheeky smile as well as his great outlook on life."
He added: "The fact that Toby died when trying to protect and ensure the safety of his little brother sums him up well – he was extremely caring."
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