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A 20-year-old male hiker reportedly died Monday in what park officials described as a “horrific accident” following a devastating fall from a 177-foot waterfall at an Oregon state park.
Authorities said the man was from out of state and was visiting Silver Falls State Park, more than an hour south of Portland, according to Central Oregon Daily.
The visitor reportedly went off-trail while trying to reach an area where he could pose for a photo, crossing a barrier and making his way over a creek directly above the falls.
The incident happened at the upper viewpoint of South Falls, the park’s tallest waterfall, which cascades into a large pool below, Oregon State Police said, according to the outlet.
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He then fell into the pool below at around 6:30 p.m.
Bystanders at the park reportedly tried to help, performing CPR as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
The victim died at the scene, according to KPTV. Authorities did not release his identity.
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“It was a pretty horrific accident,” Silver Falls State Park regional manager Chris Gilliand said, according to Central Oregon Daily. “A very tough situation.”
The Marion County Medical Examiner reportedly released the man’s body to Marion County Search and Rescue.
Search and rescue personnel then completed the recovery from the base of the falls.
Unger Funeral Chapel later took custody, according to reports.
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Silver Falls State Park is known for its Trail of Ten Falls, a popular hiking route featuring 10 waterfalls and attracting visitors from across Oregon and beyond.
South Falls is considered one of the park’s main attractions and features a trail that allows visitors to walk behind the waterfall. The waterfall has been described as the “crown jewel” of Oregon’s state parks.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Oregon State Police and Silver Falls State Park for more information.
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