US Man in His 20s Dies Falling 54 Meters After Entering Restricted Area for Photo at State Park

Slipped and Fell from the Top of South Falls in the U.S.
Pronounced Dead Despite Bystanders' Attempts at CPR

A 20-year-old man died after falling approximately 54 meters from a waterfall in a famous U.S. state park, having entered a restricted area to take photos. On August 12, Yonhap News TV, citing the Oregon State Police (OSP) and local outlets such as Fox News, reported on the fall accident that occurred at around 6:36 p.m. on August 10 in Silver Falls State Park, Marion County, Oregon.

A waterfall in Silver Falls State Park, Marion County, Oregon. The photo is not related to specific content of the article. Official website of Oregon State Parks

The deceased was identified as Zachary Nicholas Mertens, 20, from Burlington, Kentucky. According to police, witness statements and review of photos and videos from the scene indicated that Mertens had entered an area restricted to the public in order to take photographs. He slipped near the top of the waterfall and fell about 54 meters into a pool below. Visitors at the scene immediately attempted to resuscitate him with CPR and other life-saving measures, but he was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.

The Marion County Search and Rescue Team recovered the body at the base of the waterfall. Oregon State Police, along with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the search and rescue team, and park rangers, conducted an investigation into the circumstances of the accident. South Falls, where the incident took place, is a signature tourist attraction within Silver Falls State Park. The waterfall is 54 meters high and features a trail that allows visitors to walk behind the curtain of water. Oregon park authorities describe Silver Falls as a “gem” of the state park system. The ‘Trail of Ten Falls,’ which connects South Falls to other major waterfalls, is a circular trail approximately 12 km in length. The route winds through forests and canyons, offering views of numerous waterfalls, and is popular among photographers and hikers. The park draws more than 1 million visitors each year.

This is not the first time a major accident has occurred at South Falls. In August 2020, then 19-year-old Jordan Freight jumped from the top of South Falls and was seriously injured. He was found unconscious in the pool below the waterfall, and nearby visitors pulled him to safety. He was airlifted to a hospital for treatment and, fortunately, survived and was discharged. In recent years, accidents have occurred when people cross safety barriers or leave designated trails to take photographs at tourist sites. In particular, the top of waterfalls and areas near cliffs can be slippery due to wet rocks and moss, so even a minor misstep can lead to serious and fatal incidents.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.