Tourist, 20, dies after plunging 177 feet from waterfall while trying to take a photo

Published: 05:28, 12 August 2026 | Updated: 05:54, 12 August 2026 A 20-year-old tourist has plummeted 177 feet to his death while trying to take a photograph at an Oregon waterfall. Zachary Nicholas Mertens died after he slipped and fell in a closed off area of the Silver Falls State Park. The Kentucky native was at the top of the picturesque South Falls when he plunged into the pool below at around 6.30pm on Monday.  Officials said Mertens, of Burlington, had entered a closed area to pose for a photograph before he slipped. He fell into the pool below, where bystanders attempted CPR. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 'It was a pretty horrific accident,' former Silver Falls State Park manager and current regional manager Chris Gilliand told the Statesman Journal. 'A very tough situation.' South Falls is part of the famous Trail of Ten Falls and is the tallest waterfall in the park. The waterfall is considered the crown jewel of the park's attractions and is known for allowing visitors to walk behind its curtain of cascading water. Zachary Nicholas Mertens, 20, died Monday after falling from the top of South Falls in Silver Falls State Park, according to Oregon State Police The tragedy comes shortly after another tourist died at a popular natural attraction elsewhere in Oregon.  Kenny Truong, 21, was visiting Tamolitch Falls on June 26 with friends when he entered the Beaver State's famous Blue Pool, which officials have long warned can be deceptively dangerous. The pool is roughly 100 miles southeast of Silver Falls and is also a popular tourist destination. Officials also warned that cell service is limited in the area, making it difficult to contact first responders during an emergency. Blue Pool has challenged emergency responders for years. In 2013, University of Oregon tennis player Alex Rovello died after diving about 60 feet into the pool. Two years later, a photographer fell 45 feet into shallow water and died after striking his head. However, swimming in Blue Pool is not prohibited. Following a string of rescues in 2023, officials proposed a ban, but the rule was never enacted.