Edgar Garay: Influencer, 27, dies after falling off coastal cliff while recording TikTok video
CABO ROJO, PUERTO RICO: An American TikToker tragically lost his life after falling off a 70ft coastal cliff in Puerto Rico while recording videos to upload to his account on Monday, January 30. The body of Edgar Garay, from Indiana, was found on Monday, January 31, by Puerto Rico Emergency Bureau divers after he stumbled off the steep coastal cliff near a lighthouse in Cabo Rojo the previous day.
The 27-year-old was last seen alive around 5.37 pm near the cliff edge and was on a day trip to the southwestern coast, said the US Coast Guard. A 911 emergency operator reportedly reported the incident to Coast Guard watch standers in Sector San Juan at around 6.50 pm. A witness at the scene later narrated the entire incident that unfolded in front of his eyes.
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Several search efforts took place on Sunday night before Edgar's body was discovered. Jayhawk helicopters, a fast response cutter patrol boat and a HC-144 Ocean Sentry fixed wing aircraft were used.
What did Garay's family members say?
Carlos, the dead TikToker's brother, told WTHR that he was on the cliff with his cousin and time and again alarmed Edgar not to get too close to the edge while filming. "My brother has a TikTok account that he loved to upload videos to," Carlos reportedly said. "Unfortunately, that was what he was trying to do when he was closer to the edge than he should have been." Edgar was found in an underwater cave with major head injuries from the accident, Carlos told the outlet.
Edgar was born in Puerto Rico, but his family moved to Columbus when he was about 5 years old. He graduated from Columbus North High School. His family wants to bring his body home for Columbus to be his final resting place. "It’s very unfortunate because he's not very well known over there," said Carlos. "He was just visiting. So, for him to be laid and his final resting place somewhere miles upon miles away from here is just awful and devastating."
What did the Coast Guard say?
"We express our most heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Edgar Garay and pray they find closure and strength during this most difficult time," said Coast Guard Captain José E Díaz in a statement. "We appreciate the efforts of all the Coast Guard, Puerto Rico Police and partner agency emergency responders, especially the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau dive unit that was able to locate Mr. Garay's body in such a highly inaccessible and challenging environment," Díaz added, according to Daily Mail.