Coast Guardsman dies in fall from Kodiak Island cliff

KODIAK, Alaska – A 25-year-old Coast Guardsman died in a fall from a cliff on Kodiak Island.

Alaska State Troopers say Ricky Reese Jr. died Wednesday after falling about 60 feet (18.3 metres).

Reese and a friend before the fall had been hiking on a cliff overlooking Buskin Beach.

Emergency medical technicians and the Coast Guard Fire Department responded and attempted life-saving efforts.

Reese was transported to the Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Reese was originally from Georgia. His hometown was not released.