BREAKING: A shocking video posted by travel influencer Garrett Gee has ignited a firestorm of outrage on social media after he was seen tossing his young son, Calihan “Cali” Gee, off a cliff during a family outing. The incident occurred on July 12, 2023, at the breathtaking Lake Powell, which straddles Utah and Arizona.
The video, part of the family’s travel documentation on platforms like YouTube, shows Cali hesitating at the edge of a cliff before being hurled into the water below, his screams echoing in the dramatic fall. The post comes from The Bucket List Family, known for their adventurous lifestyle after Gee’s $54 million sale of his mobile app, Scan, to Snapchat in 2015.
In the video, Gee opens with a disclaimer, warning viewers, “Most people won’t love how we teach our kids how to cliff jump.” As Cali stands at the cliff’s edge, he appears fearful, ultimately being lifted and thrown by his father. The clip transitions to his older siblings, Dorothy and Manilla, diving off together, creating a stark contrast to Cali’s terrified moment.
In light of the backlash, Gee defended his actions, claiming the decision to throw Cali was made with safety in mind. “He wanted to jump but was not feeling confident… I threw him,” he stated. He compared the act to a baby eagle being nudged from its nest, emphasizing the importance of teaching children to confront their fears.
Despite his explanations, social media users have been vocal in their condemnation. Critics have raised serious concerns about the safety implications of cliff diving for young children. One commenter questioned, “Did he know he was going to be thrown?” while another cautioned, “Cliff jumping is very very dangerous! Ask an ER doctor or nurse.”
Gee’s response to the criticism included a mix of humor and a warning: “Eh, that’s basically everything on the internet these days ;),” he commented. He concluded his post with a message about the importance of bravery, stating, “You can do hard things! Have fun!”
While some users supported the parenting approach, praising the encouragement of courage in children, the majority of responses reflected a strong disapproval of the methods used, labeling them as negligent and irresponsible.
As the video continues to circulate, the conversation surrounding the responsibilities of parenting in extreme situations remains heated. The incident has sparked a broader dialogue on the responsibilities of influencers and the impact of their content on young audiences.
WHAT’S NEXT: The family’s adventures are expected to continue, but the fallout from this incident could lead to greater scrutiny of their content and practices. Social media platforms and parenting communities are watching the developments closely, as more voices join the debate on safe parenting practices in the age of online influence.
