Watch CBS News

Man Falls 500 Feet To His Death Rescuing His Dog from Seaside Cliff

DALY CITY (KPIX) - A heartbreaking recovery unfolded at Thornton State Beach Monday after a 67-year-old man fell down a 500-foot cliff while he was trying to rescue his dog.

The Golden Gate National Park ranger said the man's dog got away from him, and when he tried to go after it he slipped to his death.

Long after the fatal fall, the man's dog continued pacing and barking on a perch, as is if to sense something was wrong.

BREAKING NEWS: Spokesman: Evangelist Rev. Billy Graham Has Died

"The dog knows if you are hurt and sometimes with the cliff they get overstimulated and don't know all the facts," says dog walker Kyle Moreno.

This is a popular area for dog walkers. Tedd Leblanc of Daly City and his friends were out hiking Monday. He says the terrain is steep.

"Sometimes things can move around. You gotta be careful. Always be on alert because rocks can tumble."

Body Found Beach Cliff Daly City
Crews removed a body found below a cliff at Thornton State Beach. A dog, perhaps belonging to the victim, can be seen in upper right corner of the frame. (CBS)

Rescuers airlifted the man's body from the bottom of the cliff.

Later they helped the dog get back up the steep cliff and gave it to the victim's family.

Park rangers say there are no leash laws in place, but advise dogwalkers to put their animals on a leash or make sure they respond to voice control.

The area is home to beautiful scenic trails but it is very steep.

© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.