This story has been updated to include additional information
A Northern Kentucky 20-year-old died Aug. 10 after falling from the top of an 177-foot waterfall at Silver Falls State Park, officials confirmed.
Zachary Nicholas Mertens, of Burlington, climbed over a barrier at the top of South Falls’ upper viewpoint, and crossed over the creek directly above the falls, to pose for a picture, Oregon State Police said.
At some point, Mertens slipped and fell into the pool below, around roughly 6:30 p.m.
A visitor at the park attempted CPR and medical officials arrived on the scene shortly after. Mertens died at the scene.
“It was a pretty horrific accident,” former Silver Falls State Park manager and current regional manager Chris Gilliand said. “A very tough situation.”
The Marion County Medical Examiner released Mertens’ body to Marion County Search and Rescue to complete a recovery from the base of the falls.
Bellevue Independent Schools superintendent Misty Middleton says Mertens was a former Bellevue High School student, according to Enquirer media partner Fox19.
Middleton released a statement saying that Mertens was a 2025 graduate.
“We are heartbroken by this sudden and devastating loss,” Middleton wrote. “Please keep Zach’s family and friends in your prayers as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”
Middleton said counselors are available for anyone who needs help.
Other waterfall deaths, injuries
In the past five years, a teenager was injured while attempting to dive off South Falls and there have been other incidents resulting in death.
The incident comes after a man died earlier this month after falling from a cliff above Punchbowl Falls on Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge.
Multiple people have been injured or died at Oregon waterfalls recently including Abiqua Falls, Toketee Falls and Blue Pool.
Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 18 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or 503-399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors and BlueSky at oregonoutdoors.bsky.social
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: NKY 20-year-old dies after falling off 177-foot waterfall in Oregon
Reporting by Zach Urness, Salem Statesman Journal / Salem Statesman Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Zach Urness, Salem Statesman Journal | USA TODAY Network
