In a heart-wrenching incident in Arkansas over the weekend, a father discovered the lifeless body of his 13-year-old son after the young boy plunged 200 feet from a bluff at Buffalo National River, authorities reported.
The tragic event occurred on Saturday, October 18, when the Searcy County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call at approximately 11 a.m. They were informed that a teenager had fallen off a cliff in the park’s Middle District, near Brewer Bluff, as stated in a post by Buffalo National River on Facebook.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene, including park staff, search-and-rescue volunteers, fire departments, and Survival Flight. Members of the Harrison Fire Department descended around 260 feet down the bluff, while park rangers approached from the river below to aid in the rescue effort.
The young boy, identified as Kayleb Lynn Eddings, was found unresponsive by his father, Toby Eddings, who was one of the first to reach him, according to KHBS.
On that Saturday, October 18, 2025, officials confirmed the fatal fall of the 13-year-old near Brewer Bluff at Buffalo National River. (Buffalo National River Facebook)
“The staff at Buffalo National River and I extend our deepest sympathies to this young man’s family,” expressed park Superintendent Angela Boyers. “We also express our gratitude to the local community responders who came forward to assist in this tragic situation.”
Officials said the 13-year-old had been with a friend when he lost his footing near the edge of the overlook. He slipped from a lookout point and fell about 200 feet, the Department of the Interior said.
The National Park Service (NPS) and Searcy County Sheriff’s Office are jointly investigating the fall.
Arkansas father finds 13-year-old son dead after cliff fall at Buffalo National River park. (Buffalo National River Facebook/Coffman Funeral Home)
A spokesperson for the Department of the Interior, which oversees the NPS, said there are no advisories in the area and there is no danger to the public.
Officials reminded visitors that the terrain in the Buffalo National River area “can be rugged and steep,” urging people to stay a safe distance from the edge when enjoying overlooks.
Officials at Buffalo National River confirmed a 13-year-old boy died over the weekend after falling from a bluff inside the park. (Buffalo National River Facebook)
Eddings was an eighth grader at Ozark Mountain School District, remembered by his family as a kind, joyful boy whose “bright, jovial personality had no rival,” according to his obituary.
Officials at Buffalo National River warn the terrain can be “rugged and steep” and to “stay a safe distance from the edge.” (Buffalo National River Facebook)
“While there are many words to describe Kayleb, the most accurate and profound word is LOVE,” his family wrote in his obituary. “Kayleb was loved by everyone who had the fortune to meet him.”
He loved riding his four-wheeler, collecting Hot Wheels with his dad, hunting with his grandfather and spending time with friends. “Most of all,” his family wrote, “he loved aggravating his younger brothers and absolutely adored his youngest brother, Bean.”
“There are no words to express the deafening quiet that has filled the space where Kayleb’s voice once reverberated,” his family wrote. “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.”
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, Oct. 23, at 2:30 p.m. at the St. Joe School gymnasium in St. Joe, Arkansas.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
