A 20-year-old man has died after falling from a waterfall on Monday, Aug. 10.
Burlington, Kentucky, resident Zachary Nicholas Mertens had been taking photos at the top of South Falls waterfall in Silver Falls State Park in Oregon when he slipped and fell about 177 feet.
According to KATU, Oregon State Police determined through witness accounts, photos, and videos that Mertens crossed into the closed-off area to pose for photographs before he fell. The incident occurred at around 6:30 p.m., and officers responded after receiving a report that someone had slipped and fallen into the water from the top of South Falls
Another parkgoer had attempted to revive Mertens using CPR, but he had died at the scene, according to The Statesman Journal.
Authorities Say Mertens Was There To Take Photos
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Mertens’ body was recovered from the base of the falls. KATU reported that a friend notified his family before Oregon State Police followed up with additional information about what had happened.
Silver Falls State Park regional manager Chris Gilliand said, “It was a pretty horrific accident,” calling it “a very tough situation.”
South Falls Draws Hikers And Waterfall Enthusiasts
Silver Falls State Park is proud to share that people call it the “crown jewel” of the whole Oregon State Parks system. The Trail of Ten Falls allows visitors to walk behind the 177-foot waterfall while traversing densely forested paths and passing the banks of Silver Creek.
Although Remote Double Falls is technically the park’s tallest waterfall—beating the competition by just a foot—South Falls remains the most visited waterfall in Silver Falls State Park, according to Komoot.
The Oregon State Parks website shares that the full Trail of Ten Falls stretches 7.2 miles through the park, with an elevation change of about 800 feet. The site further says the nationally recognized trail attracts hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.
Silver Falls State Park spans approximately 9,000 acres and offers over 35 miles of backcountry trails, plus its famous waterfall circuit. The part of South Falls that is open to the public has welcomed visitors since the park’s opening in 1933.