HONG KONG — Sydney’s Diamond Bay Reserve, not far from the city’s famous Bondi Beach, offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, making it a renowned spot for visitors seeking the perfect “selfie”. For British model Madalyn Davis, though, the pursuit of the ideal Instagram picture proved deadly after the 21-year-old fell to her death on the weekend.

According to her social media channels, Davis was a beautician who had been travelling in Thailand and Bali before heading to Australia. She had reportedly been at a party with friends nearby on Saturday (Jan 11) night before walking to the Diamond Bay cliffs to watch the sunrise.

Her mother, Ms Rebecca Smith, sought to contact her via Facebook on Sunday, asking her friends: “Anyone seen Maddie? Not been able to get hold of her please get in touch if you were out with her last night.”

Her body was officially identified on Monday after being recovered from the bottom of the cliffs, 30 metres below the lookout.

It is the second fatality at Diamond Bay in less than six months after a 27-year-old woman fell to her death in August last year. She was also believed to have been taking photographs at the time.

“We have increased ranger patrols, and upgraded signage clearly outlining the dangers of the cliffs in both text and universally recognised icons,” Waverley council Mayor Paula Masselos said.

“I strongly urge people to heed our warnings and act in their best interests and safety. Cliffs are dangerous, stick to the paths and boardwalks. Do not climb fencing and balustrades, and obey signage.”

Davis had more than 14,000 followers on Instagram and her social media accounts were flooded with tributes after her death was confirmed.

“RIP Madalyn,” one poster wrote. “Such a beautiful soul, you just loved living life to the fullest, you were one of the nicest people, the most beautiful! You’ll be missed so much, you really were taken too soon.”

There were also ugly comments online, with several Facebook posters suggesting her desire for the perfect selfie led to her death.

“Fences and signs are posted for a reason,” one poster wrote. “Your perfect Instagram photo cost you your life. Hopefully others will learn from this.”

Another wrote: “Is anyone going to post the selfie that she died to take? I hope it was at least worth it.”

Accounts of tourists dying while taking dramatic photographs have grown increasingly common in recent years.

In March 2019, a Macau man travelling with a Hong Kong tour group fell to his death at the Grand Canyon. Last November, a French tourist in Thailand died while taking a photograph at Na Mueang 2 waterfall in Koh Samui. SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST