NewsBite

Young British model falls to death from cliff while with friends in Sydney’s east

A 21-year-old British model and “beautiful soul” has been named as the young woman who fell to her death from a cliff in Sydney’s east on Sunday morning.

Diamond Bay selfie seekers back risking their lives

A young British tourist has died after falling from a cliff while with friends in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, five months after a similar tragedy.

Family and friends today paid tribute to Madalyn Davis, 21, who fell to her death at Diamond Bay Reserve in the affluent suburb of Vaucluse about 6.30am on Sunday.

“RIP Madalyn,” Rose Katie said on Facebook.

“Such a beautiful soul, you just loved living life to the fullest, you was one of the nicest people, the most beautiful! you’ll be missed soo much, you really was taken too soon.”

Hannah Screaton, on Instagram, said: “Words cannot describe how much this hurts right now. Love you and thinking of you Rebecca Smith (Madalyn’s mother) my heart is broken.”

Jade Ashley-Rogers posted: “RIP you gorgeous girl”.

Madalyn Davis. Picture: Instagram/ @madalyn_davis_
Madalyn Davis. Picture: Instagram/ @madalyn_davis_
She was 21. Picture: Instagram/ @madalyn_davis_
She was 21. Picture: Instagram/ @madalyn_davis_

Ms Davis was a model, make-up artist and eyelash beautician from England who had travelled through Thailand and Bali in recent weeks before arriving in Australia, according to her social media accounts.

“Just six weeks until I jet off for my travels and everything I have worked for, done and been through will be worth it,” she said to her 14,000 Instagram followers on September 30.

On December 14, she wrote: “Not looked back at my old life once (miss my job though) and I am super excited for my future abroad.”

NSW Police said an investigation was under way.

She is remembered as a beautiful soul. Picture: Instagram
She is remembered as a beautiful soul. Picture: Instagram
Ms Davis was with friends before her death. Picture: Instagram
Ms Davis was with friends before her death. Picture: Instagram
The cliff off Oceanview Rd, Vaucluse. Picture: John Grainger
The cliff off Oceanview Rd, Vaucluse. Picture: John Grainger

“Just before 10.30am yesterday morning the body of a woman, believed to be aged in her 20s, was retrieved from the water,” a spokeswoman told news.com.au this morning.

“She’s yet to be formally identified and an investigation is under way into the circumstances surrounding her death.”

In further tributes posted on social media, friend Tommaso Fabri, from Newcastle, said: “I'm utterly destroyed … I was going to organise to go down to Sydney to see them, I would never have thought it would happen. She has such a gorgeous soul x.”

Paris Lynn replied: “So sad isn’t it. These things don’t happen.”

“RIP Maddie,” Kelsie Fowler said.

Ms Davis’ friend Georgia Perry, also from Lincoln in the UK, shared a post that read: “Those who died yesterday had plans for this morning. And those who died this morning had plans for tonight. Don’t take life for granted … you may never get to have that chance again.”

Madalyn Davis. Picture: Instagram/ @madalyn_davis_
Madalyn Davis. Picture: Instagram/ @madalyn_davis_
Madalyn Davis. Picture: Instagram/ @madalyn_davis_
Madalyn Davis. Picture: Instagram/ @madalyn_davis_
People were spotted fishing on the wrong side of the fence this morning. Picture: John Grainger
People were spotted fishing on the wrong side of the fence this morning. Picture: John Grainger

Waverley Council, on its website, says the reserve has “excellent views over dramatic cliffs”.

Hundreds of Google reviews have been made for the coastal cliffs that are popular for people wanting to take selfies and wedding photos.

Comments include: “They have now barricaded off the best part but you can still get some beautiful photos from the walk track”, “took pre-wedding photos here … BUT need to be really careful” and “be cautious, it’s not the safest place in the world”.

Marine Rescue NSW said emergency services were called on Sunday morning “after a group of people taking photos inside the fence … regathered and could not find the woman”.

Tourists taking risks at Diamond Bay last week. Picture: Photographer: Adam Yip
Tourists taking risks at Diamond Bay last week. Picture: Photographer: Adam Yip

Nine reported Ms Davis had left a party with friends earlier on Sunday in Rose Bay.

Footage obtained by multiple television networks shows a group of people walking along a nearby road yesterday morning before scaling a fence at the popular and picturesque location.

One member of the group peers over the edge before they all vanish from sight.

A group of people were seen walking to the cliffs. Picture: Nine News
A group of people were seen walking to the cliffs. Picture: Nine News
The vision captures the group jumping the fence. Picture: 10 News First
The vision captures the group jumping the fence. Picture: 10 News First
One member of the group looks over the edge before they scale down. Picture: Nine News
One member of the group looks over the edge before they scale down. Picture: Nine News

In August last year, a local woman believed to be aged 27 died after falling 30 metres from a cliff at the Vaucluse reserve onto rocks below.

“She was treated at the scene by passers-by until paramedics arrived but died at the scene,” police said at the time.

“Witnesses have told police the woman may have been taking photos when she fell.”

Multiple rescue helicopters were brought in to help and her body was retrieved by PolAir.

The Daily Telegraph reports tourists and people fishing climbed the fences today despite Ms Davis’ death yesterday morning.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Police at the scene. Picture: Nine
Police at the scene. Picture: Nine
There are safe viewing platforms. Picture: John Grainger
There are safe viewing platforms. Picture: John Grainger
But some people choose the cliffs. Picture: Adam Yip
But some people choose the cliffs. Picture: Adam Yip

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/woman-dies-after-cliff-fall-while-with-friends-in-sydneys-east-months-after-similar-death/news-story/dc9789c0281bd25142dce6c250475918