State Police Leading Probe into Destruction of Beloved Rock Formation

The Oregon State Police announced Tuesday that they will lead an investigation into the destruction of the rock formation popularly known as Duckbill. The sandstone formation on the Oregon Coast was destroyed by vandals about a week ago.

Located in an area of Cape Kiwanda that had been roped off after six people had died during a two-year stretch, the sandstone pedestal was still a popular site.

When it was discovered collapsed, Oregon State Parks posted that it was fortunate that no one had been nearby when it fell but it was a reminder of how fragile the coast is.

As it turns out, not only were there people there, they were responsible. And the whole thing was caught on video.

David Kalas of Hillsboro happened to be nearby, caught the incident on video, and posted it to social media.

While it's not clear if the people who toppled the rock committed a crime, officials are still looking to identify them.

The investigation will determine how to pursue possible violations of state park rules and Oregon laws in response to video showing visitors to the park pushing the landmark sandstone feature, known as the duckbill, to the ground in late August.

The investigation will be based out of the Oregon State Police Tillamook Worksite. The State Police will be working in close concert with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the Tillamook District Attorney's office.

In the meantime, people have taken to Instagram to share pictures of the rock under the hashtag, #ripthstpnwrock.

Photo: Oregon State Parks