Body of missing teen found in Kootenai River

Searchers have found the body of a 17-year-old boy who fell into the Kootenai River nearly two weeks ago.

Searchers from David Thompson Search and Rescue found the teen's body at about 9 a.m. Monday, according to a press release from Lincoln County Sheriff Darren Short. He was located about 4 miles downstream from where he disappeared on July 20.

The victim's brother called 911 and said he had fallen off a cliff while riding a bike on a trail above Kootenai Falls.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office helped rescuers recover the teen's body and his family was notified.

An extensive search began after the boy fell off the cliff. The effort involved cadaver dogs, a boat and two personal watercraft alongside volunteers with David Thompson Search and Rescue.

Cadaver dogs indicated the boy may have fallen in a stretch of the river deemed too treacherous for even the most experienced divers, owing to extreme turbulence.

The Troy Volunteer Fire Department, the Troy volunteer ambulance crew, the Montana Highway Patrol and the Two Bear Air helicopter crew assisted in the search. A bystander visiting the falls volunteered his drone to help first responders comb the area from the air.

Local officials have reminded recreationists to exercise caution around the falls. The sheriff cautioned visitors and residents against venturing out on steep stretches of shale along the northern bank of the river. He said swimmers should never approach the falls because of hidden undercurrents.

Troy Mayor Dallas Carr said he knew of at least one couple who had lost their lives in the falls. With new residents moving to the county, he worries some might not realize the dangers the river can pose.