Kentucky Man Dies After 177-Foot Fall at Oregon's Silver Falls State Park
A 20-year-old man from Kentucky died after falling 177 feet from the top of South Falls at Silver Falls State Park. He had reportedly climbed over a barrier to take a photo.
Key takeaways
- Zachary Nicholas Mertens, a 20-year-old from Kentucky, died on August 10 after falling from South Falls at Silver Falls State Park.
- He had climbed over a barrier at the top of the 177-foot waterfall to take pictures.
- Mertens slipped and fell into the pool below around 6:30 p.m.
- Witnesses attempted resuscitation, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
- The incident is one of several recent fatalities and injuries at Oregon waterfalls.
What Happened
A 20-year-old man has died after falling from the top of South Falls at Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on August 10. The man, identified as Zachary Nicholas Mertens of Burlington, Kentucky, reportedly crossed a barrier at the upper viewpoint of the 177-foot waterfall to pose for photographs. While attempting to take a picture, he slipped and fell into the pool below. Witnesses attempted CPR, and emergency medical officials arrived on the scene, but Mertens was pronounced dead at the location.
Background
The Marion County Medical Examiner released Mertens' body to the Marion County Search and Rescue for recovery. Officials described the event as a "horrific accident." This incident follows other recent fatalities and injuries at Oregon waterfalls, including a previous death on Eagle Creek Trail and incidents at Abiqua Falls, Toketee Falls, and Blue Pool. A teenager was also previously injured attempting to dive from South Falls.
Sources reviewed
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