Kansas Student Drowns in Oregon's Treacherous Blue Pool, Officials Warn of Extreme Hazards

A 21-year-old student from Wichita State University drowned after entering a well-known Oregon swimming spot where officials caution that the water is frigid enough to induce instant physical shock.

Kenny Truong, a resident of Wichita, Kansas, was with friends at Tamolitch Falls, commonly referred to as Blue Pool, on a Friday evening when he entered the water and was unable to exit, according to statements from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency dispatchers received a 911 call at 8:47 p.m. on June 26, reporting that a man had gone into the pool, situated off Highway 126, and was in distress.

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 Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, and Upper McKenzie Rural Fire Department all responded to the remote location that Friday evening.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Kenny Truong, 21, of Kansas, during what is an unimaginable time.

The Perils of Blue Pool

Blue Pool, celebrated for its striking turquoise waters and dramatic cliffside scenery, attracts numerous hikers and sightseers from across the Pacific Northwest. However, officials have issued stern warnings about its inherent 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.

Authorities note that the cliffs surrounding the pool range from 10 to 60 feet in height, while the water consistently maintains an average temperature of just 37 degrees Fahrenheit. The area also suffers from minimal to no cellular service, and rescue operations are frequently complicated by the challenging, remote terrain.

When something goes wrong at Blue Pool — or on the trail leading into the falls — it can take up to several hours from the moment of injury to reach a hospital.

Remembering Kenny Truong

A GoFundMe campaign organized by Carter Nguyen paid tribute to Truong, remembering him as a cherished friend who possessed a