Engineering student, 21, falls to his death from 120 foot waterfall while hiking through Big Sur
A 21-year-old student has fallen to his death from a 120 foot waterfall while hiking along Big Sur in California.
Kenneth Taylor, a third-year mechanical engineering student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and budding wildlife photographer, was found dead at the base of the Salmon Creek waterfall on Saturday evening at about 7:45pm.
Taylor is believed to have slipped and fallen from the top of the waterfall. Deputies at the scene found him 'in a pool at the base of the waterfall,' SLO County Cmdr. Stuart MacDonald told The Tribune.
The Monterey County sheriff's office said foul play was not suspected.
Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong announced Taylor's death earlier this week, saying it was due to 'an accident during a trip to Big Sur.'
Kenneth Taylor, 21, was on a trip to Big Sur, California when he died during a climbing accident
Taylor was found dead at the base of the Salmon Creek waterfall on Saturday evening at 7:45p
Salmon Creek is a popular hiking spot on the Big Sur stretch of Highway 1, about 28 miles north of Cambria.
Taylor, from Richland, Washington, who was set to graduate next year, was also a founding member of the Alpine Club at Cal Poly.
He was known to be an experienced hiker having served as a trip leader for ASI Poly Escapes, an outdoor clothing and equipment shop.
Taylor was described by staff at the store as 'a person of incredible technical skill and even more incredible kindness, unmatched wittiness and a passion for adventure that could inspire anyone.'
On an Instagram post by a friend, Kenneth Bevens revealed how Taylor had been on a rock-climbing trip in Big Sur at the time of his death but had been expected at an event that night celebrating the the outdoor community.
'He would have loved it!' Bevens said. 'The hammocks, the photos, the music, the oceanview, and all the love. When I was taking photos, I could practically feel his beaming energy and positivity!'
Taylor was a third-year student studying mechanical engineering at Cal Poly University and an avid wildlife photographer and hiker
On an Instagram post by a friend, Kenneth Bevens revealed how Taylor had been on a rock-climbing trip in Big Sur at the time of his death but had been expected at an event that night celebrating the the outdoor community
Kenneth Taylor, 21, died whilst out hiking last weekend. He is pictured alongside his friend, Kenneth Bevens. The pair shared similar interests and were known together as 'Kevin Squared'
Cal Poly is also offering counseling services, to students and university staff who may be grieving Kenneth Taylor's death
The pair were particularly close and were known as 'Kenneth squared' with shared interests in the outdoors and photography.
'I loved talking to him and hearing his laugh. He was so incredibly kind, enthusiastic, smart and gave 110% of himself to everything he did and everyone he met,' Bevens said in an emotional posting to Instagram. 'Kenneth felt tremendously loved and helped others feel the same.'
Others also paid similarly glowing tributes to Taylor.
'Ugh it still hurts my heart. That man was a true legend and inspiration,' wrote Isaiah Traub on Instagram.
'[He was] a true light in our community. Our hearts are heavy and miss him dearly. ... His enthusiasm and kindness will continue to ripple throughout our beloved community. Much love to all who know him and to his family,' Dillon Behling added.
University officials are in touch with Taylor's family and has offered their full support.
Cal Poly is also offering counseling services, to students and university staff.
'Our thoughts are with them as they grieve their loss,' Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong wrote. 'It is never easy to share news like this, and we know that processing this loss can be difficult for members of our community.'