A college student has tragically passed away after jumping into a natural pool in Oregon and being unable to escape.
Kenny Truong, aged 21, was confirmed deceased following his leap into the pool at Tamolitch Falls in Willamette National Forest, commonly referred to as Blue Pool.
Linn County Undersheriff Micah Smith reported that authorities were notified about a man who had jumped into the water and was having difficulties swimming to the shore.
A GoFundMe page created in Truong’s memory describes him as a ‘bright soul,’ as highlighted in a PEOPLE report.
“He was admirable in the truest sense of the word,” the tribute stated. “A bright soul that this world needed more of. And losing him has left a hole in our hearts that words honestly can’t fill.”
According to his LinkedIn profile, Truong was a business student at Wichita State University, as reported by ABC affiliate KAKE.
Police have indicated that Truong was ‘visiting the area with friends when he decided to jump into the pool’.
Officials also expressed their condolences for Truong, stating: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Kenny Truong, 21, of Kansas, during what is an unimaginable time.”
They continued: “Witnesses describe him struggling as he swam toward shore, before submerging.
“Despite the best efforts of those at Tamolitch Falls who tried to help him, and the first responders who arrived in response to the 911 call, Kenny did not survive.”
The police have issued a strong warning about the perilous nature of the pool, emphasizing that it ‘will take lives again if visitors do not understand what they are facing’.
In a statement, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the increased danger in this location due to ‘minimal to no cell phone reception in the area’, which means ‘ it can take up to several hours from the moment of injury to reach a hospital’ if an incident occurs.
They mentioned: “Linn County Sheriff’s Office and our partner agencies respond to emergencies at this location every year.”
The sheriff’s office also pointed out that the water temperature can be as low as 37F, which is ‘cold enough to cause immediate physical shock upon entry’.
Cold water shock can cause the muscles to seize up, leading to loss of control over breathing and limbs, putting even strong swimmers at risk.
In some instances, cold water shock can result in cardiac arrest.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institute in the UK advises individuals experiencing cold water shock to relax, control their breathing, and float on their back until the effects subside, which can take approximately a minute.