Summary
- Twenty-year-old Zachary Nicholas Mertens died at South Falls in Oregon
- He had crossed a protective barrier and entered a closed area to pose for photographs
- South Falls is 177 feet, or about 54 meters, high
- Another visitor attempted CPR before emergency crews arrived
- The incident highlights the risks of taking photographs in restricted and exposed locations
A 20-year-old tourist died after falling from South Falls in Oregon after crossing into a closed area to pose for photographs.
Zachary Nicholas Mertens, from Burlington, Kentucky, died on Monday, August 10, at Silver Falls State Park after slipping from the top of South Falls, a 177-foot waterfall measuring approximately 54 meters.
The incident once again highlights the serious risks that can arise when visitors bypass barriers and access restrictions in natural landscapes to take photographs, particularly in locations where a fall can be fatal.
He crossed a barrier and entered a closed area
According to Oregon State Police, Mertens climbed over a protective barrier at the upper South Falls viewpoint and then crossed the creek directly above the waterfall. From there, he accessed an area that was closed to the public in order to pose for photographs.
At around 6:30 p.m., while at the location for the photo shoot, he slipped and fell into the pool at the base of the waterfall. It remains unclear who was taking the photographs at the time of the accident.
CPR attempt was unsuccessful
A person at the park attempted to revive the 20-year-old by performing CPR before emergency services arrived. Despite the effort, Mertens was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team handled the recovery operation. The Marion County Medical Examiner released Mertens’ body to the search and rescue team so the recovery from the base of the waterfall could be completed.
Chris Gilliand, a former Silver Falls State Park manager and current regional manager, described the incident as horrific and extremely difficult.
South Falls and Silver Falls State Park
South Falls is one of the best-known landmarks at Silver Falls State Park in Oregon and stands 177 feet, or approximately 54 meters, high. The park is home to the well-known Trail of Ten Falls, a route that attracts hikers, photographers, and visitors interested in seeing the area’s numerous waterfalls.
Official Oregon State Parks information notes that sections and trails may be closed for safety reasons and asks visitors to respect closures and access barriers.
Risky photography as a broader issue
The incident is part of a broader discussion surrounding accidents associated with taking photographs in dangerous natural environments. PetaPixel notes that photography has been associated with a significant number of fatal falls at Grand Canyon National Park.
It also points to recent data indicating an increase in mountain rescues involving young people attempting difficult climbs or hikes while seeking dramatic images for social media. In the Scottish Highlands, mountaineering incidents involving people aged 17 to 25 are reported to have nearly quadrupled compared with 2022.
What we think
This tragedy is a stark reminder that barriers and restricted areas around waterfalls, cliffs, and mountain landscapes are not merely formal restrictions. They exist because conditions can change within seconds and a single slip may leave no opportunity to recover. No photograph, regardless of how impressive it might appear, justifies bypassing a safety measure.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the accident happen?
The incident occurred at South Falls inside Silver Falls State Park in the U.S. state of Oregon.
How high is South Falls?
The waterfall is 177 feet high, which is approximately 54 meters.
Why was the 20-year-old in a closed area?
According to Oregon State Police, he had crossed a protective barrier, walked across the creek above the waterfall, and entered the restricted area to pose for photographs.
Was there an attempt to save him?
Yes. Another person attempted CPR before emergency services arrived, but Mertens died at the scene.
