A tragic accident at Buffalo National River left an Arkansas family grieving after 13-year-old Kayleb Lynn Eddings fell 200 feet to his death. Authorities said the teenager lost his footing near Brewer Bluff while exploring with a friend on Saturday, October 18.
The Searcy County Sheriff’s Office received an emergency call around 11 a.m. reporting a child had fallen from a cliff. Park rangers, search-and-rescue crews, firefighters, and medical teams quickly responded to the scene. Members of the Harrison Fire Department rappelled nearly 260 feet down the bluff while others approached from the river below.
Kayleb’s father, Toby Eddings, was among the first to reach his son. The heartbreaking discovery has devastated the local community and drawn condolences from park officials.
Buffalo National River Superintendent Angela Boyers expressed sympathy to the Eddings family, thanking local emergency teams for their rapid assistance. Authorities reminded hikers and sightseers to maintain safe distances from bluff edges and overlook points.
Officials from the National Park Service and the Searcy County Sheriff’s Office have launched a joint investigation into the accident. They said there are no safety advisories in effect for the area and no current danger to the public.
Kayleb was an eighth grader at Ozark Mountain School District, known for his joyful personality and kind heart. His family described him as a boy who loved four-wheeling, hunting with his grandfather, and collecting Hot Wheels with his dad.
A celebration of life for Kayleb will take place Thursday, October 23, at St. Joe School gymnasium in St. Joe, Arkansas. The Buffalo National River community continues to mourn the young boy whose adventurous spirit touched everyone around him.
