An inquest has concluded that 12-year-old Zhihan Zhao’s death at Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher was accidental, resulting from a slip on a puddle near the cliff’s edge. The incident occurred on July 23, 2024, during a family visit.
Incident Overview
Zhihan, visiting from China with his mother, Xianhong Huang, was walking ahead on the trail near Hag’s Head. A French tourist, Marion Tourgon, testified witnessing Zhihan slip:
His right foot slipped into the puddle… he was trying to grasp the grass with his hands to pull himself up. He didn’t shout and there was no noise.
Emergency services were alerted, but sea conditions delayed recovery efforts. Zhihan’s body was found five days later by a fisherman and retrieved by the Irish Coast Guard.
Inquest Findings
Clare County Coroner Isobel O’Dea ruled the death as accidental, stating:
It is clear from evidence we heard that Zhihan slipped off the cliffs rather than any other way. His death would have been very quick – instantaneous.
Ms. Huang, present at the inquest, expressed her grief and sought clarity on the circumstances leading to her son’s fall.
Safety Measures and Trail Closures
Following this and another fatality involving a Belgian student in May 2024, the Clare Local Development Company closed sections of the Cliffs of Moher trail due to safety concerns. A report by Sport Ireland recommended immediate closure of parts of the trail, citing risky behavior by visitors and inadequate safety measures.
The Cliffs of Moher, attracting over 1.4 million visitors annually, remain a site of natural beauty and potential danger. Authorities urge visitors to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines while exploring the area.
