BLUE RIVER, Ore. (KAKE) - A 21-year-old Wichita State University student drowned on Friday after jumping into a popular cliff-rimmed basin in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office said dispatch received a call at around 8:47 p.m. local time that Kenny Truong had jumped into the Blue Pool at Tamolitch Falls and was unable to get out.
Kenny was visiting the area with friends when he decided to jump into the pool. The sheriff’s office said witnesses reported that he was struggling as he swam toward shore before going under the water.
Kenny’s LinkedIn page says he was studying business at Wichita State University.
A GoFundMe, created by one of Kenny’s friends in Wichita, says he made everyone around him feel seen and loved.
The GoFundMe had raised just under $20,000 for his family as of Tuesday morning.
KATU reports that Tamolitch Falls is a frequent drowning spot. The cliffs surrounding the pools range from 10 to 60 feet, and water temperatures average 37 degrees.