Utah man drowns while surfing the North Fork

A 30-year-old Park City, Utah man drowned June 8 while attempting to surf a rapid on the North Fork of the Flathead River near Polebridge.

According to a press statement from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, the man was attempting to surf the river using a surf board attached by rope to a snag. He was getting on the surf board when he became tangled in the rope and was submerged under water.

Witnesses were able cut the rope attached to the board, freeing both the board and the victim. The man was pulled from the river about 200 yards downstream and CPR was initiated, but attempts of revival were unsuccessful.

Officials say the man had worked at the Polebridge Mercantile for three years. His name was being withheld while families members were notified.

The ALERT helicopter, Three Rivers EMS, Blankenship Fire Department, Glacier National Park rangers and the Flathead Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene.