A 24-year-old graduate from University of Georgia has died after jumping from a popular cliff into a lake during a graduation celebration trip in Alabama.
The victim was identified as Jayden Barreto from Columbus, Georgia.
According to authorities, the incident happened on May 13 at the well-known “Chimney Rock” diving spot at Lake Martin, a location popular among thrill-seekers for cliff jumping activities.
Witnesses told police that Barreto leapt from the high rock formation into the water but never resurfaced.
Emergency crews immediately launched a large-scale search and rescue operation.
Divers later recovered Barreto’s body at around 9.45pm from an underwater rock shelf approximately 50 feet, or 15 metres, below the surface.
The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office said the underwater terrain in the area is extremely dangerous, with steep underwater drop-offs extending beyond 70 feet, or 21 metres deep.
Local officials warned that the impact force from jumping off the cliff can be extremely severe.
One sheriff reportedly compared the force of hitting the water from that height to “crashing into a sheet of glass from 18 metres above”.
Authorities added that body position upon impact plays a crucial role in survival during high cliff jumps.
Police have preliminarily classified the incident as an accidental drowning.
The University of Georgia later confirmed Barreto was a 2025 graduate who earned dual degrees in management information systems and psychology.
The university described him as an outstanding student and expressed condolences to his family and friends.
Montgomery Fire and Rescue officials said six divers took part in the difficult underwater recovery mission but were ultimately unable to save him.
The tragedy has sparked renewed discussions online regarding the dangers of cliff diving and extreme water activities at popular tourist spots.
