Man dies after falling from cliff at Isla Vista Bluffs Saturday afternoon
ISLA VISTA, Calif. – A 23-year-old man died Saturday afternoon after he fell about 50 feet from a cliff behind 6625 Del Playa Drive in Isla Vista, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.
Jacob William Aladar Parker, a 2023 UCSB alum from San Diego, reportedly climbed over the barrier fence and fell from the height above onto the beach, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
Parker's identity was revealed by the Coroner's Bureau on Monday afternoon, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.
Parker was helped to Cottage Hospital from the beach up the Pescadero stairs by first responders with an original call time of 2:35 p.m., explained the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
County Supervisor Laura Capps issued an initial statement upon hearing about the incident.
“We are begging property owners to do the right thing and make your balconies safer by raising fence heights and other common sense precautions," said Capps. "Our office is providing financial incentives to raise fencing. Lives are on the line. At this time, details are not yet known about the accident. I’m praying that the person who fell survives unharmed. I am tremendously grateful to all the first responders.”
Capps offered another statement after learning of the man's passing from his injuries sustained during the fall.
“We lost another life to the bluffs in Isla Vista yesterday - my heart breaks for this man and his family and friends," said Capps. This tragedy is a stark reminder of how dangerous these bluff top properties are. Property owners: this is an urgent plea to do what’s right to help save lives. We all need to step up and make Isla Vista safer now.”
Kathryn Schurmer, who lost her son and Santa Barbara City College attendee Benjamin to a cliff fall last September, offered her own sentiments on yet another tragic passing.
"I’d like to say enough is enough," said Schurmer. "How many deaths will it take until owners will change and make their property safe? I am so sorry and feel devastated this happened again. My heart goes out to his family and friends. “
