A young woman is dead after a steep fall off the side of a cliff in Flatrock around suppertime on Friday.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary confirmed late Friday evening that the woman was 21 years old.

Police said the death is accidental.

A Universal helicopter responded to the incident but was unable to reach the 21-year-old woman. (CBC)

Firefighters from St. John's, Torbay and Flatrock responded to the call as well as members of the high angle rescue team.

The fall happened in a popular rock climbing area on a rocky jut of land known locally as the Beamer around 5 p.m. She was reportedly part of a group of rock climbers who were in the area.

A universal helicopter attempted to reach the woman but was unsuccessful. Rescue crews later retrieved the body.