An Ava, MO teen died on Saturday after falling near the Lost Valley Trail at the Buffalo National River on Saturday.
Investigators say that a 16-year-old was on a trip hiking with his church when he left the assigned trail, climbing a hillside.
The teen lost his footing and fell nearly 20 feet.
The fall caused traumatic head and spinal injuries.
A witness conducted CPR until medical services were able to arrive on the scene, but unfortunately, lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful.
Park staff asks visitors of the park to use extreme caution and to stay on the intended pathway while hiking.