Woman Dies After Tragic Fall From Cliff During Hawaii ‘Healing’ Holiday to Mourn Husband’s Death

A file photo of an emergency helicopter. Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license/Tony Hisgett via Flicker

A 37-year-old widow who was in Hawaii on a “healing vacation” following the sudden death of her husband, has died after tragically falling off a cliff.

Jamie “Nicole” Redmond Baker, 37, from Middlesboro, Kentucky, was climbing a cliff on the island of Maui, Hawaii, on July 25 when she fell to her death at about 11:30 a.m., according to reports.

She was on holiday with her 3-year-old daughter at the time, and decided to visit a well-known remote hiking destination named “Chutes and Ladders,” reported Hawaii News Now. It is located along Maui’s western coast, and offers a steep free-climb challenge which leads to crystal clear pools below.

According to the Maui County Public Fire and Safety, Baker lost her balance while climbing, and fell 45 feet to the bottom of the cliff.

Bystanders performed CPR on the mother-of-one until paramedics arrived to the scene. Baker was then airlifted to an area near Kahekili Highway, but she was unresponsive, and sadly couldn’t be revived.

Baker was pronounced dead at the scene by authorities.

A member of the Maui County Fire Department described the hiking area as “very dangerous,” in an interview with ABC News on July 30.

“She was a 37-year-old female visiting from Kentucky. She fell approximately 45 feet down the cliff or trying to climb back up from the shoreline,” said assistant chief Val Martin.

Emergency workers said it wasn’t clear whether Baker was climbing up or down the cliff using rope, however Martin said she could have slipped or her hands could have become moist, reported ABC News.

Baker took the trip to the island with her daughter, Carson Rylee Baker, as part of a healing trip after her husband, Lonnie Joshua Baker, passed away in June 2017 aged 35, her family said.

“This was a healing vacation for her and her small child. RIP Nicole,” a friend of Baker wrote in a Facebook post. “We will take care of Carson. Hug Lonnie in heaven and know everything will be OK here.”

Her brother, Michael Redmon, said in a Facebook post: “I cant believe you’re gone. I wish I could’ve told you that I love you one more time.

“I wish I could’ve told that I was sorry for not talking to you more, that I was sorry for our differences and arguments. I love you sis, I never stopped loving you. I will miss you.”

Martin urged others to avoid the steep cliffs, and to “enjoy it from a distance.”

“It’s very dangerous activity. It’s a steep cliff that leads straight down to the shoreline. I think a lot of people might over estimate their physical capabilities until it’s too late and they’re the middle of it,” he explained.

Baker’s sister, Joyce Agee Redmon, posted her obituary on Facebook, which describes her as “a very precious daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend who touched the lives of many.”

“In loving memory of Nicole, memorial contributions may be made to a college fund for her daughter, Carson Rylee Baker, checks made payable to: American Funds Benefit for Carson Baker 529, mail to: Ashwood Wealth Mtg (ATTN: Marsha Boyd) 2525 Harrisburg Road, Suite #100, Lexington, KY 40504,” the obituary reads.

A memorial visitation will be held for Baker on Aug. 4 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, KY 40243).