Cliff Jumping Incident Claims Cincinnati Man

A Cincinnati man died after jumping 30 foot into the water at a rock quarry in St. Paul (Image: White Rock Park)
A Cincinnati man died after jumping 30 foot into the water at a rock quarry in St. Paul (Image: White Rock Park)

An Ohio man died after a 30 foot jump at the White Rock Park near the Decatur and Shelby County line.

Ryan Hester, of Cincinnati, was pronounced dead Thursday evening after Indiana Conservation and Indiana State Police divers recovered his body from the water.

The park in St. Paul is a popular summer stop for cliff jumping and swimming.

Witnesses said Hester and a friend jumped from a platform at the same time and he landed awkward on a rope marking the landing area, which may have been a factor in his death. Police say only one person is supposed to jump at one time from a platform.

The incident remains under investigation.

Indiana Conservation Officers encourage the use of personal flotation devices and lifejackets to reduce the risk of injury or drowning.