Death Investigation: Salem Man Drowns at Silver Falls Park

Rescue personnel responded to the scene and found the victim underwater about five hours after he went in.

Salem-News.com

(SILVERTON, Ore.) - A 22-year old Salem man died Wednesday night while wading in one of the waterfall pools at Silver Falls State Park and stepped off a ledge into deep water and drowned. The victim reportedly did not know how to swim.

At approximately 6:30 PM on July 4th, 22-year old Lisandro Perez of Salem, was at one of the falls located about a mile and a half from parking lot "F" with his brother and fiance.

Police say Mr. Perez was wading about chest-deep in the water with his brother when he stepped off a ledge into deeper water and went under.

Marion County Sheriff's Office search and rescue personnel responded to the scene and found the victim underwater and retrieved him about 11:30 PM.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Salem Area Command office are completing the investigation.