My understanding talking to people who knew him was that he was inexperienced…Maybe first time out. Per those sources he wasn’t wearing a PFD. Clearwater Sheriff’s office and coworkers. He also didn’t have a shuttle set up either near as they could tell. Not sure if he was planning to hitch hike or walk back to pick up his car. His Kayak and belongings were found within 1.25 miles of the put in.
Body found on Clearwater identified as missing kayaker
Samuel Mobley, an LCSC student, went missing last week
The deceased man found in the Clearwater River Sunday near Cherrylane Bridge was identified as missing Lewis-Clark State College student Samuel J. Mobley, who had gone missing while kayaking the river last month.
Mobley, 29, appeared to begin his kayak trip at the Pink House Recreation Site just west of Orofino in Clearwater County on June 17. His vehicle was found there and his kayak and belongings, in a dry bag, were found about 1½ miles downriver.
The Clearwater County Sheriff’s office looked for his body but called off the search after a few days. Mobley’s family then asked people who recreate on the river to watch for his remains.
Nez Perce County Deputy Coroner Jonathan Yearsly told the Lewiston Tribune an official cause of death is pending with autopsy results.
Mobley was born in California and grew up mostly in Spokane. He was studying nursing at LCSC and was working as a certified nursing assistant at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.