Garrett Gee, widely known as the face behind The Bucket List Family, has responded to public backlash concerning a viral video that depicted him throwing his seven-year-old son, Calihan, off a cliff into Lake Powell. The video, which gained significant traction in July 2025, shows Gee encouraging his son to overcome his fears before gently tossing him into the water below.
In a recent interview, Gee addressed the controversy, stating, “If somebody came across that video and had only seen that video, then I agree with them. ‘Oh man, this looks terrible, and this father’s pushing their child too much.’ But anyone who has followed our journey for a longer time, they understand how thoughtful and cautious we are as parents.”
Gee acknowledged feeling a pang of sadness reading negative comments, interpreting some of the outrage as a reflection of people who may not have had opportunities to be pushed outside their comfort zones by their parents. He expressed a desire to connect with those who were particularly concerned, inviting them on adventures to try new things together.
In the original video’s caption, Gee emphasized that the stunt was not recommended for viewers and clarified that this specific method of encouragement is unique to each child. He highlighted safety, learning to overcome challenges, and having fun as the family’s priorities.
Explaining his rationale, Gee shared that they chose a cliff height he knew would be safe for his son. The primary concern was ensuring Calihan jumped out far enough to avoid the cliffside. Since his son was willing but hesitant, Gee decided to assist him with a toss.
Despite the significant online reaction, Gee stated that the public’s response did not negatively impact him, citing his confidence in his and his wife’s parenting. He also highlighted the positive aspects of documenting their family’s adventures, which allow them to spend quality time together exploring new places.