There doesn't seem to be a lot of information yet, but the article stated he had a good record, so I wouldn't think he had been replaced.
I'm guessing it was a climbing accident.
that is a jumper cliff
This is what I could find on the cliff:
http://www.sloperacing.com/sites/whitepoint.htm
http://www.greatoutdoors.com/published/camp/pacific/explorewhitepointtidepools/
Nah...White Point Cliff is not a climbing area.The Geology is friable aggregates and sandstone.Nothing to climb or anchor on.