A young tourist from Kentucky died after falling approximately 177 feet (54 meters) from the top of a waterfall in an Oregon state park after entering an area that was closed to visitors, according to authorities.

Zachary Nicolas Mertens, 20, of Burlington, Kentucky, died Monday night after falling from the top of South Falls, one of the main attractions at Silver Falls State Park in Marion County.

Oregon State Police reported that Mertens had crossed into a restricted area to take photos when the crash occurred.

According to authorities, the young man slipped and fell into the water from the top of the waterfall.

Park staff tried to rescue him after the fall, but Mertens died before they could help him. Subsequently, a specialized search and rescue team was sent to the base of the waterfall to recover his body.

The investigation into the exact circumstances of the accident continues.

Mertens was a basketball player

Mertens' death has also caused shock in Kentucky, where he was known for his career as a basketball player.

The young man had been part of the Bellevue High School basketball team, in Bellevue, Kentucky, and later played for the Moss Elite club.

Photographs published on social networks by Mertens and his mother showed the young man at different moments in his sports career, both on the field and next to trophies obtained during his career.

Mertens was the son of Jason and Alicia Mertens and had an older brother, 24-year-old RJ Mertens.

South Falls is one of the park's main attractions

Silver Falls State Park is located approximately 50 miles south of Portland and about 20 miles east of Salem, the capital of Oregon.

South Falls is considered one of the park's main attractions and is known for its height and the trail that allows visitors to walk even behind the waterfall.

The park also has camping areas, spaces for recreational vehicles and cabins for visitors.

It is unclear if Mertens was staying inside the park at the time of the accident.

Authorities have not yet provided more details about the circumstances that led the young man to enter the closed area nor have they reported whether there were other people with him when the fall occurred.

Oregon State Police remain open to the investigation.

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