MARION COUNTY, Ore. (11 August 26) – On Monday, August 10, 2026, at approximately 6:36 p.m., Oregon State Police troopers and Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Silver Falls State Park following a report that someone had fallen from the top of the South Falls.
Troopers determined the individual, Zachary Nicholas Mertens (20) of Burlington, KY, accessed a closed area to pose for photographs at the top of the waterfall. Mertens slipped and fell into the water approximately 177 feet below.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team oversaw recovery efforts.
OSP was assisted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Search and Rescue, and park rangers from the Silver Falls State Park.
