A 21-year-old Wichita State University student died after jumping into the frigid waters of Tamolitch Falls, also known as Blue Pool, in Oregon, on Friday evening. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office stated that the water's extreme cold can cause immediate physical shock.
Kenny Truong, of Wichita, Kansas, was visiting the popular swimming spot with friends when he entered the water around 8:47 p.m. Witnesses reported seeing him struggle as he swam toward shore before submerging. Despite efforts by bystanders and first responders, Truong could not be saved. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, and Upper McKenzie Rural Fire units responded to the remote location.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Kenny Truong, 21, of Kansas, during what is an unimaginable time," Undersheriff Micah Smith said in a statement. Truong was a finance major at Wichita State’s W. Frank Barton School of Business and a member of the Cummings Student Managed Investment Fund.
Blue Pool, known for its striking turquoise water and cliffside views, attracts numerous visitors. However, officials have repeatedly warned about its dangers. "It is also a place that has taken lives before and will take lives again if visitors do not understand what they are facing," Smith added. The cliffs surrounding the pool range from 10 to 60 feet high, and the water temperature averages approximately 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
Compounding the risks, the area has limited or no cellphone service, which can complicate rescue efforts. According to the sheriff’s office, it can take several hours for injured individuals to reach a hospital from Blue Pool or the trail leading to it.
Carter Nguyen, a spokesperson for the Truong family, remembered Kenny as a deeply loved friend who inspired others. "Kenny was the kind of person this world doesn’t see enough of. He was genuinely, unconditionally there for the people around him not just when things were good, but especially in the darkest of times," Nguyen told Fox News Digital. "He would set aside everything he had going on to make sure the people he loved were okay."
Nguyen added, "Kenny leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and light. We ask that you keep his family in your hearts, continue to lift them up, and honor his memory by carrying forward the same spirit he gave to all of us every single day."
The sheriff's office urged visitors to assess the risks before entering the water at Tamolitch Falls and to immediately call 911 if someone appears to be in distress. Visitors seeking information about current conditions are advised to contact the McKenzie River Ranger Station.