Oregon State Parks officials initially said they didn’t think the break was caused by humans.
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The Duckbill has been a fixture at Cape Kiwanda since it became a state park in 1973, according to Havel, who said that it could have lasted for decades more before eventually falling over on its own. State park officials don’t believe it was destroyed by people.
This undated photo provided by State of Oregon, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department shows a natural rock formation that was found in pieces last week at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area which is a state park in Pacific City, Ore. “They said one of their friends had broken a leg on it”.
The pedestal, behind fences warning against trespassing onto the unsafe cape, had the been the subject of many photos, ranging from weddings to visiting teens and families.
A video obtained by KATU News in Portland shows a group of visitors pushing the iconic sandstone formation along the OR coast, until the moment it fell and crumbled to the ground.
Despite the danger, countless people ducked through the fence to take pictures atop the pedestal. He posted the video on social media shortly afterward.
It is unclear if the vandals will face charges from the parks department.
Spokesman Chris Havel told the Daily News that the fine for destruction of a natural resource is $435 and that Oregon State Police were working to identify the group and find out if any criminal wrongdoing occurred. He says it might look safe, but sandstone can give out without warning.
Havel said last week that there’s no evidence it was struck down directly by people.
Five of the people stepped away, but when three others saw there was a crack, they pushed it over, Kalas said. “There’s no evidence that happened in this case, however”.
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The death of The Rock has apparently inspired the hashtag #ripthatpnwrock on the social media website Instagram.
