On May 10, 2025, at approximately 1:24 PM, Idaho County Dispatch received a call from the International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC). They had received an SOS activation from a Garmin inReach device advising CPR was in progress at a location up the Selway River between Double Drop and Wa-Poots. This is part of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area and is approximately 19 miles from the end of the road and is not accessible by motor vehicle.
At approximately 3:40 PM, Idaho County Dispatch received a text to 911 stating they had just discovered a second person in their party had also flipped into the water and CPR was in progress. They advised they were approximately 2 miles downstream from the original SOS activation. They were both a part of a rafting group.
Life Flight responded to the first location, and advised the patient was deceased. They also confirmed the death of the second patient. Due to the location and equipment needed, they were unable to transport them out.
The US Forest Service attempted to reach them via mules but were unable to get to the location due to the steep terrain.
The next day, Two Bear Air responded. Due to the flooding conditions and steep terrain, they utilized their helicopter winch system to get them both out of the canyon to Cedar Flats where they were turned over to the Idaho County Coroner.
Names are not being released as family notifications are pending. Our thoughts and prayers go out to both families during this difficult time.
Idaho County Sheriff Doug Ulmer would also like to thank Life Flight, Two Bear Air, the US Forest Service, Three Rivers Rafting and Coroner Cody Funke for the cooperation and willingness to help.
Source: Idaho County Sheriff
Photo: Pixabay
