Kentucky Man Dies at Oregon Park After Falling from Top of Waterfall

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A 20-year-old Kentucky man died Monday evening after falling approximately 177 feet from South Falls at Silver Falls State Park in Marion County.

Authorities identified the victim as Zachary Nicholas Mertens of Burlington, Ky.

Troopers with the Oregon State Police and deputies with the Marion County Sheriff's Office responded to the park following reports that someone had fallen from the top of the waterfall.

According to state police, Mertens entered a closed area at the top of the waterfall to pose for photographs before he slipped and fell into the water below.

OSP was assisted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Search and Rescue, and park rangers from the Silver Falls State Park.