Man, 20, Dies at State Park After Falling From 177-Foot Waterfall While Posing for Photos, Police Say
Witnesses tried to save the 20-year-old after he slipped from a closed-off area at South Falls, but he died at the scene.
- On Monday, Oregon State Police identified 20-year-old Zachary Nicholas Mertens of Burlington, Kentucky, as the victim who died after falling from South Falls at Silver Falls State Park.
- An investigation revealed Mertens crossed into a closed-off area at the top of the 177-foot waterfall to pose for photographs when he slipped and fell into the water below.
- Witnesses at the park attempted life-saving measures, but Mertens died at the scene; Marion County Search and Rescue later recovered his body from the base of the falls.
- The Marion County Medical Examiner released the deceased to Unger Funeral Chapel, and officials confirmed the investigation into the fatality is complete.
- Recent injuries and deaths at Oregon waterfalls including Abiqua Falls, Toketee Falls, and Blue Pool underscore persistent risks for visitors in the region.
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40 Articles
A 20-year-old fell to the ground in a US National Park while posing for a photo 54 meters from a waterfall. He died on site.
Zachary Mertens, 20, originally from Kentucky, fell from the top of South Falls, in Silver Falls State Park
20-year-old tourist dies in US after falling from 170-feet waterfall while posing for photos
US News: A 20-year-old tourist tragically fell to his death from a 170-foot waterfall in Oregon while taking photos in a restricted area, highlighting the dangers of unsafe behavior near natural attractions.
2025 high school graduate from Northern Kentucky killed in waterfall accident in Oregon
A 2025 high school graduate from Northern Kentucky fell from a waterfall to his death earlier this week while traveling, according to a release from Bellevue Independent Schools.Superintendent Misty Middleton said in a statement that Zach Mertens graduated from Bellevue High School in 2025."This tragic loss has deeply affected our school community, and our thoughts are with Zach's family, classmates, friends and all those who knew and loved him,…
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