Community Corner

A Terrible Fall From Cliff Leaves BHS Soccer Player in Critical Condition

Family reports that Ben Backes is "gravely injured."

Seventeen-year-old Branford High School student Ben Backes is still in critical condition following a from a cliff yesterday afternoon according to Branford Police Captain Geoffrey Morgan.

Morgan said he had spoke with Backes’ family this morning and that the teen is displaying signs of paralysis and is “gravely injured.” He will closely be monitored but has not showed signs of improvement since being rushed to the hospital just after 6 p.m. last night.

Branford Police are investigating the incident as an accident and report that the youth officer, Detective Ron Washington will be handling the investigation. Morgan said Backes was jumping around near a monument that overlooks the trolley trail about 200 yards off Pleasant Point Road. “He was jumping around and at one point, he went to go jump over a monument and stumbled and fell off of a ledge which was 35 feet above the ground.”

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Branford Fire Chief Jack Ahearn said Backes was conscious at the scene; however, he was in a great deal of pain when the paramedics and police officers arrived.

"Paramedics treated and prepared the victim for transport out of this very wooded and treacherous area," he said. "Firefighters used a 'Stokes' style stretcher and hand carried the victim to an awaiting ambulance."

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The area is often frequented by young kids and there were several kids present upon fire department arrival, according to Ahern.

According to Morgan the police officers at the scene did not believe drug or alcohol use was involved in the incident.

Backes has been a soccer player at Branford High School and according to head coach Paul Hunter, Backes plays forward and midfield.

Hunter said early this morning, “This is very sad news and we are hoping everything works out for the best.”


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