Whitefish man rescued from river in Idaho

Last week a 91-year-old Whitefish man was rescued after his vehicle went off the road into the Lochsa River about 68 miles from Kooskia on Highway 12 in Idaho.

According to the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office, on June 8 around 2 p.m., deputies responded to a report that the driver, Clifford Parver of Whitefish, was stuck in his vehicle about 50 feet from the bank.

Before deputies and emergency personnel could arrive on the scene, approximately 15-20 people who had been passing by stopped to help. Among those helping were Keegan Fancher and JT Sohr.

Sohr, a firefighter for the United States Forest Service, had recently finished swift water rescue training and he used his personal rafting equipment to assist the driver of the vehicle, according to a release. Sohr and Fancher, among other people, successfully got Parver to shore.

Sohr lost about $250 worth of equipment down the river, but the sheriff’s office says it has since been replaced.

Kooskia Ambulance and Lowell QRU were dispatched. Idaho County Dispatch also requested Three Rivers Rafting respond, who were willing to help if needed.

“It’s moments like these that remind us that we live in a wonderful area full of kind and courageous people who are willing to help their fellow man. We are truly thankful for the help of JT, Keegan, and all others,” the release from the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office states.