Search continues for teen missing near Kootenai River falls

Rescuers are searching for a 17-year-old boy who may have drowned after falling into the Kootenai River east of Troy on Tuesday.

Lincoln County Sheriff Darren Short said he believed the teenager had recently moved to the area with his family. He was mountain biking with his brother along the north bank of the river when he fell in near the falls. Dispatchers received the initial 911 call at 6:16 p.m.

First responders combed the river Tuesday evening using a boat and two personal watercraft. Pilots with Two Bear Air flew over the canyon until dark. The sheriff's office, David Thompson Search and Rescue, the Troy Volunteer Fire Department, the Troy Volunteer Ambulance and the Montana Highway Patrol took part in the search.

Efforts continued on Wednesday with additional first responders aiding in the search. Officials with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service helped sweep the river in the afternoon. First responders used drones to check exposed rocks in the river where the victim might have climbed out.

First responders will continue patrolling the banks and searching the river at least every morning and evening.

Short reminded recreationists to be cautious around the falls. Steep stretches of shale along the northern bank can be especially treacherous. Swimmers should never approach the falls as strong undercurrents, unseen from the surface, are common in that stretch of the river.

"The biggest thing that I can't stress enough is safety around the falls," Short said.

Troy Mayor Dallas Carr said a lack of caution around the falls has claimed lives in the past. A couple years ago, a person taking wedding pictures stepped too close to the edge and fell in, he said.

Carr said he knew of at least one man who drowned after riding an innertube into the falls. He worries new residents moving into the county might not appreciate the danger the falls can pose.

"It's just a real nasty, treacherous place at the falls if you don't pay attention," he said.