Tourist "nearly died" when he ignored sign and tumbled down waterfall

2025-02-04 14

A tourist has urged visitors to obey safety signs after he "nearly died" when he fell down a 20ft waterfall.

Matt Horsfall, 39, scaled the rocks forming the waterfall at Dockber Farm near Sawley, Lancashire, when he was attending the Beat-Herder music festival on site.

He ignored a 'do not enter' sign which warned of "sharp rocks" and said the "water is poison" to pose for a video.

But he tumbled off when his foot slipped - leaving him with unable to move for a few minutes, a bruised back and a wrist which still causes him pain.

Matt, who lives nearby and who works in hospitality, said: "I nearly died.

"It was very painful and I was really worried but luckily I could walk around a few minutes later.

"I really ought to have gone to hospital though - my wrist still twinges.

"I'd had a few drinks and thought it was funny but it really wasn't.

"Signs are for your own safety: please take note of them."

Matt took a tumble on July 21.