A 20-year-old male hiker died on Monday in a fall from a 177-foot waterfall at Silver Falls State Park, located over an hour south of Portland.
According to authorities, the man was visiting the park from out of state and had gone off-trail while attempting to reach an area where he could take a photo. He crossed a barrier and made his way over a creek directly above the falls before falling into the pool below at around 6:30 p.m.
Bystanders at the scene attempted to provide assistance, performing CPR as emergency responders rushed to the location. The victim was pronounced dead on site.
Park officials described the incident as "horrific" and acknowledged that it was a "very tough situation." A regional manager for Silver Falls State Park noted that the accident occurred in an area where visitors are warned not to stray from designated trails.
The park is known for its popular Trail of Ten Falls, which features 10 waterfalls and attracts visitors from across Oregon. The South Falls, where the incident occurred, is considered one of the park's main attractions and allows visitors to walk behind the waterfall.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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