California kayaker dies in South Fork of Snake River
Idaho Statesman (09-05-08)
Friday, September 5, 2008 Associated Press
SWAN VALLEY -- Authorities say a California man has drowned while kayaking down the South Fork of the Snake River in southeast Idaho. The Jefferson County Sheriff Department identified the man as Patrick Luther Smith, 71, of Fresno, Calif. Investigators say Smith drowned Thursday while kayaking the river with Lennie Hill, 72, of Rigby. Authorities say their kayaks became swamped on a river channel near Twin Bridges. Hill managed to swim to shore and call for help, but police say Smith was unable to get out of the water. An angler fishing downstream later called authorities after spotting Smith's body snagged in a tree. The accident remains under investigation.
One Kayaker Drowns on the Snake River, A Second Survives
By Mary Sturgill KIDK News
One kayaker is dead tonight and another is lucky to be alive after their kayaks were swamped on the South Fork of the Snake River earlier today. Lennie Hill of Rigby and Patrick Luther smith of Fresno, California ran into difficulty just below the twin bridges at archer. Hill lost his kayak but was able to swim ashore and call for help. As Jefferson County deputies responded, a fisherman reported a body about two miles east of the Lorenzo Bridge. Deputies recovered the body of 71 year old Patrick Smith. The accident is still under investigation.
California kayaker dies in South Fork of Snake River
Story Created: Sep 5, 2008
By Associated Press
SWAN VALLEY (AP) - Authorities say a California man has drowned while kayaking down the South Fork of the Snake River in southeast Idaho. The Jefferson County Sheriff Department identified the man as Patrick Luther Smith, 71, of Fresno, Calif. Investigators say Smith drowned Thursday while kayaking the river with Lennie Hill, 72, of Rigby. Authorities say their kayaks became swamped on a river channel near Twin Bridges. Hill managed to swim to shore and call for help, but police say Smith was unable to get out of the water. An angler fishing downstream later called authorities after spotting Smith's body snagged in a tree.
