Florida boy plunges to his death in waterfall accident

A Florida boy is dead after a horrific waterfall accident.

Isaiah Oertel of North Port, Fla., died Monday after a fatal 80-feet plunge from the top of Laurel Fork Falls in South Carolina, investigators said Tuesday.

Rescuers claimed the 14-year-old boy was already dead when they arrived at the waterfall’s base.

“We had received reports that he had slipped off the top of the waterfall and where crews unfortunately found him was about 80 feet from the top of the waterfall,” stated Pickens County Emergency Department Deputy Director Pierce Womack.

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Laurel Fork Falls

Laurel Fork Falls (Shutterstock/)

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Pickens County coroner Kandy Kelley confirmed that Oertel died at the scene from blunt force trauma.

Several agencies were reportedly called in for the recovery, including a tactical rescue team. The operation ended early Tuesday morning, emergency officials told Greenville, S.C., TV station WYFF.

“We are sad to inform you that Isaiah Oertel, the 14-year-old son of Dennis and DeAnn Oertel, passed away suddenly in a tragic accident,” read a statement from the youth’s New Day Christian Church obtained by Sun North Port. “We will keep you informed as service arrangements are made to honor Isaiah’s life.”

According to the church statement, Isaiah leaves behind two sisters, Breanna and Savanna.

3 people dead in 6-day span in horrific White Mountains accidents

Oertel is the second person to die at the waterfall this year, according to Charlotte TV station WSOC.

A 25-year-old woman named Taylor Coleman fell to her death at the top of the waterfall on March 22, according to authorities.

Located about 30 miles northwest of Greenville, Laurel Fork Falls empties into Lake Jocassee.