Zachary Nicholas Mertensas from Burlington, Kentucky, died on Monday, August 10, around 6:30 PM, after slipping and falling from the top of South Falls waterfall. Oregon State Police stated in a press release that he “entered a restricted area to pose for photos,” and then fell about 57 meters below the waterfall, according to People.
Another park visitor tried to revive Z.N. Mertensas by performing CPR until paramedics arrived, reports The Statesman Journal. However, the tourist died at the scene.
The search and rescue operation was led by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office team. No further information was provided. It was an “extremely tragic accident” and a “very difficult situation,” former Silver Falls State Park manager and now regional director Chris Gilliand told The Statesman Journal.
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