An 18-year-old woman tragically fell 100 feet to her death at the cliffs of Hope Cove, Devon, while attempting to rescue one of her dogs, according to an inquest report. Keeleigh Plant had been walking along the coast path with her boyfriend and their two dogs when the incident occurred.
The pair had just finished a visit to South Milton beach and were making their way home when a rabbit darted across their path, prompting their dogs to chase it toward the cliff’s edge. In an effort to retrieve the animals, Keeleigh and her boyfriend moved past a low wooden fence near the edge. While one dog returned safely, Keeleigh was calling for the other when she suddenly fell.
Her boyfriend was unsure if Keeleigh lost her footing or if the ground gave way beneath her. He heard slipping and then saw her fall. Bystanders immediately rushed to assist, and an air ambulance was summoned. Despite prompt medical efforts, Keeleigh was pronounced dead at the scene due to multiple traumatic injuries caused by the fall. The coroner recorded the death as accidental.
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Keeleigh’s family shared that she had been planning to start a gap year before attending university and had recently secured a new job. Known for her warm personality, she worked at a local pub, had a passion for animals, and was a dedicated student of maths and IT at Kingsbridge.
The accident occurred on May 19, 2023, after Keeleigh left her home in Galmpton with her boyfriend and their two cockapoo-type dogs around 12:45 pm. They enjoyed a pizza stop at Hope Cove before the tragedy unfolded.
Efforts to resuscitate Keeleigh were made by people on the beach and an off-duty first responder who had been at a nearby pub wake. A 999 call was made at 3:24 pm, and despite paramedics’ arrival, she was pronounced dead at Beacon Beach at 4:16 pm.
Police investigations found no suspicious circumstances. Coroner Alison Longhorn described the event as a “really tragic accident,” noting Keeleigh had been looking forward to her future.
Keeleigh was born in Plymouth, attended local schools in Malborough and Kingsbridge, and was admired for overcoming anxiety to become a mental health ambassador during sixth form. Adopted by foster parents as a child, she worked at The Old Inn Malborough and the Lobster Pod at Hope Cove and had recently obtained employment at Tesco. An animal lover who enjoyed daily dog walks and was learning to drive, Keeleigh had plans to travel and was well known and liked in her community.