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Daily Record
Daily Record
World
James Rodger & Hannah Mackenzie Wood

Boy tragically dies after falling from White Cliffs of Dover on 12th birthday

A boy tragically died after falling from the White Cliffs of Dover on his 12th birthday. Mati Urb was on a campervan trip around the south coast of England with his parents and two siblings during the Easter school holidays.

On the first day of the trip, they stopped off at the famed East Landon cliffs and headed on a walk along the top, an inquest heard. Shortly after, the youngster's parents lost sight of him and started desperately searching the surrounding area.

A passer-by then alerted the Coastguard at around 6.15pm. A lifeboat and Kent Police were also called to the cliffs to help look for Mati, Birmingham Live reports.

At around 7.15pm, the Coastguard helicopter saw his body at the base of the cliffs, in an area described as inaccessible on foot. A post-mortem examination concluded Mati died of head injuries.

Coroner Katrina Hepburn ruled the youngster's death was an accident, saying: "Mati had been visiting Kent, specifically the Dover region and the cliffs with his mum, dad, brother and sister. It was at a location close to the lighthouse at St Margaret's, on top of the cliffs at Langdon, when the family became separated and ultimately came to a point where Mati could not be found.

"A call was made to the Coastguard and then the Coastguard contacted the police. A search was initiated incorporating the Coastguard helicopter and paramedics.

"Sadly Mati was located at the base of the cliffs and, despite initial attempts at resuscitation, it was confirmed he was sadly deceased. I conclude that Mati succumbed to head injuries as a result of falling from the cliff.

"I don't know how Mati came to fall from the cliff - it was unwitnessed. Whether he tripped and fell, whether it was the wind, or whether he was looking too far over the edge, I simply don't know.

"I know that's of no comfort to the family to have this unexplained as to how Mati came to fall. These were tragic circumstances and the conclusion that I return is one of accident. I can see no evidence that he intended to go over the cliff. I want to offer my most sincere condolences for the tragic loss of Mati in these circumstances."

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