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Kentucky man dies after falling off waterfall at Silver Falls State Park
Statesman Journal • • nation
Key Points:
- Zachary Nicholas Mertens, a 20-year-old from Burlington, Kentucky, died on August 10 after falling from the top of the 177-foot South Falls at Silver Falls State Park in Oregon.
- Mertens climbed over a barrier and crossed the creek above the falls to pose for a picture before slipping and falling into the pool below around 6:30 p.m.
- A park visitor attempted CPR, and medical officials arrived quickly, but Mertens was pronounced dead at the scene.
- The Marion County Medical Examiner released Mertens' body to search and rescue teams for recovery from the base of the falls.
- This fatality follows a recent pattern of accidents and deaths at Oregon waterfalls, including incidents at Punchbowl Falls, Abiqua Falls, Toketee Falls, and Blue Pool.
