Man dies diving off Angora Lakes cliffs
A 21-year-old man from Illinois died Wednesday at Angora Lakes.
Cameron Gillen, 21, Libertyville, Ill., was diving off the cliffs at the lake about 6pm July 1.
There are three normal areas where people dive. Gillen went up higher, according to El Dorado County sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Seligsohn.
“This young man went to the highest point and then scaled the cliff another 40 to 60 feet. As he goes up, he’s not going straight up, he’s also going away from the lake,” Seligsohn told Lake Tahoe News. “When he jumps I don’t think he possibly could have gone out far enough, so he struck at the base of the cliff.”
Paddleboarders brought him to shore and CPR was begun
First responders from the sheriff’s department, Lake Valley Fire and Calstar tried advanced life saving techniques for an hour before pronouncing the man’s death.
The lake level is not an issue. But the spot where one jumps from can make a world of difference.
Seligsohn warns people, “You can only jump as far out as you can jump from the ground.” In other words, if someone can do a 6-foot broad jump on flat ground, that’s as far as they will be able to leap from a cliff.
“Keep it to where everyone dives in from and you are likely to be safe,” Seligsohn said. Seeking a new, riskier adventure, he said, can have fatal consequences.
— Kathryn Reed
Rip dude
Bet ya they ban the cliffs now to keep us safe…eh rock?
There have been other deaths over the years for various reason from jumping. This is the first I remember where not hitting the water was the cause of death.
It has to be a very traumatic event for the families staying in the cabins with the screaming, crying and sirens. Who knows Biz you maybe right.
I was here when this happened and it was indeed tragic. I’m still grieving. You knew he regretted it the second he jumped. He was under the water for five minutes before anyone could get to him. We all tried so hard to keep him alive. My love, light, and prayers go to his family and friends. Especially his mother. You will never be forgotten Cameron <3 rest in paradise.
It is very tragic but one that could have been avoided. Didn’t any of the people he was with say or warn him that he was not going to make it? Thoughts and prayers go out to the grieving family.
does anyone know if there will be some sort of memorial here in tahoe for him? i know he’s not from here but i was really hoping there would be something done in his honor.
Sage, they had a vigil last Thursday (July 2nd) morning.
thank you eddiev…i wish i would have known but i didn’t sleep an eye for 3 nights. <3 thanks again.
I am one of his mother’s closest friends … I have been dealing with my own illness so I have been out of touch. This is tragic, as if he is my own son. Cameron was a dear friend of my 21 year old son… they were in boy scouting together… this is devastating.