Who was Mark DeBarr? California hiker falls 120ft to his death from waterfall days after wedding anniversary
KAUAI, HAWAII: Mark DeBarr, a California hiker died in a fall at Hawaii's scenic Waipo'o Falls just days after he and his wife celebrated their wedding anniversary.
The 66-year-old man fell 120 feet below the waterfalls while exploring the Waipo'o Falls Trail in Kokee State Park, according to authorities in Kaua’i, reports New York Post.
Mark DeBarr was on a family vacation when he died
The tragic incident took place when DeBarr was on a family vacation and officials believe he slipped and fell below the falls while touring the Waipo’o Falls Trail in Kokee State Park on Friday, September 22.
At around 10 am, first responders received a call about the incident. After they arrived at the scene, DeBarr's body was recovered from the falls.
Is there any foul play in Mark DeBarr's death?
Following DeBarr's death, Kaua'i Police stated that there was no evidence to suspect foul play. An autopsy report in the case is still pending.
DeBarr's family was assisted by volunteers with Life Bridges and Visitor Aloha Society of Kauai (VASK).
A Chico State alumnus who worked as an accounting professional, the father-of-two hailed from Concord. He had celebrated his anniversary with his wife Maureen DeBarr on September 18, just days before the tragedy.
Mourning the loss of his fellow Chico alumni, Dough Brooker took to Facebook to pay an emotional tribute and described DeBarr as a great man.
"Mark passed after a tragic accident in Hawaii while on vacation with his family. This will leave a huge hole in the lives of all who knew Mark – he was an amazing guy and loved by so many," Brooker wrote about his best friend of 48 years.
Kalalau Trail in Hawaii is known to be treacherous
Hawaii, with its natural wonders and stunning landscapes attracts millions of tourists and Kauai which is known for Mount Waialeale is one of the wettest spots on Earth with numerous beachess and hiking trails.
However, these picturesque locations also pose risks that results in tragedies and accidents.
Earlier this year at Poipu Beach in Kauai, a 77-year-old woman drowned to death. She became the third tourist from California to die while visiting a beach in Hawaii in June alone.
In 2022, a total of 46 people were rescued from the coastline of Kauai.
Signs counting the number of deaths were even installed serving as a reminder of the potential dangers of the stream crossings along the Kalalau Trail.