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An Important Story Behind a Simple Travel Photo

9/7/2018

7 Comments

 
Picture
By John Roberts

Let me tell you a quick story about the picture you see here.

I had a friend snap it for me moments after we arrived early in the morning at Cape Spear in St. John's, Newfoundland. Cape Spear is an extremely popular site to catch the first sunrise in North America, and we were among dozens of others who had arrived to enjoy the spectacle at the easternmost spot on the continent.

I'm no different than a lot of travelers who seek to get that awe-inspiring photo.

I have often walked out toward the edge -- of a stunning geological formation, a fortress or temple wall, a protruding seaside rock or canyon ledge -- in order to create the desired perspective to fully encompass the scale of the natural attraction I was visiting.

I am always alert and careful, and I never put myself too close to the precipice. In fact, I don't like heights, especially the "looking over the edge" viewpoint.

My visit in Cape Spear was no different, and I quickly got my shot to document my visit and sat down to await the sunrise with the growing throngs of other excited early-risers.

Moments later, a woman slipped and fell off the edge of the cliff.

As shocking as it is to read that, imagine how it was for those of us who were present as it happened. Fortunately, I didn't see the fall. But I and others near my vantage point noticed a stir about 20 feet to my left. Word quickly spread that someone had fallen, and horror and panic set in as we tried to figure out what to do. Emergency calls were made, at least one person was able to find a way down to her. But we soon knew the result was the worst outcome.

She had died.

Her sister was there, and I can still hear her pained wails and see her crumple to the ground as those near her did their best to comfort her.

The lady who fell was Kim Hix, 53, who was visiting Newfoundland from Chicago. You can find more about her in this story that recalls her passion for the music on the island. She sounds like an awesome person, and it's terribly sad.

One moment she was excited to be at Cape Spear enjoying this special time with her sister. The next, she was gone. It gives me chills to think about that. There is nothing to indicate she did anything wrong. She just slipped.

It also resonates in a way that further reinforces the notion of how precious life can be. How important it is to savor every single moment that we have.

But also to be extra careful when we do this.

I look at the picture at the top of this post, and I am certain that I was cautious enough and had safe footing.

But still, I will always keep this incident in mind when considering that perfect "Look at me" photo as I travel the world. I encourage you to all do the same.

Thanks for reading.
JR
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7 Comments
Ryan Biddulph link
9/7/2018 03:35:42 pm

Wow Jon this is sad. Safety first with these type of shots, and also, live every day fully. We know not the time when we're gonna check out so enjoy life and just let it ride.

Ryan

Reply
Irene S. Levine link
9/8/2018 02:16:35 pm

How horrible to have been so close to such a tragedy~

Reply
Bill
9/9/2018 09:42:36 am

Thank you, John, for raising awareness of travel safety. Your piece honors Kim Hix and a life well lived.

Reply
JR
9/9/2018 12:08:29 pm

Thanks so much for saying so, Bill. That was my aim with this piece, to at the very least have this horrible tragedy result in something positive. To make others think and act as safely as possible and consider how precious life is.

Cheers!
John

Reply
Alison link
12/28/2018 09:39:18 pm

What a sad story. And what a wake up call for all those there. It really brings home how little control we have, and when time is up then time is up. It's the second such story I've heard this week. Apparently (I think this may have been a few years ago) a woman seated at the patio of a Montreal restaurant insisted to her companion that they move to another table, a specific table. She was very insistent. Once seated a this new table a block of concrete fell on her, killing her instantly. So shocking. Her companion was not harmed.
Alison

Reply
Regan Clute
8/26/2019 01:33:49 pm

Kim was my mom's best friend and has been a part of my family for as long as I can remember. As we celebrate her life on the 1-year anniversary of her death I find myself looking anywhere for signs that she left something behind. And here, I found your story. You didn't know Kim, and you don't know me, but I am comforted today knowing that she left an impact on you (despite that it was from such a tragic event). I echo Bill's comment above, you honor Kim with your story. Thank you.

Reply
JR
8/26/2019 03:01:10 pm

Hi Regan,

Thanks for stopping by to have a read. What happened indeed left an impact, and I felt it very important to share, if only to try to help make this tragic event make any sense and serve to honor how precious life is. I'm sorry for the pain that your Mom and your families must have felt or any sorrow that continues, but I'm sure that you rejoice in the fabulous person that Kim was.

Best,
JR




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