MERIDIAN, Idaho (CBS2) — On Oct. 9 at approximately 2:55 p.m., the Meridian Fire Department responded to a reported water rescue on the Boise River, west of Linder Road.
Two individuals were kayaking on the river when they struck a tree and flipped their kayaks, trapping one underneath the log and inside his kayak.
When Ada County Sheriff's Deputies arrived, they attempted to free him but could not due to the force of the water. By 4 p.m., firefighters removed enough vegetation to reach the kayaker, who had already passed away.
"Yesterday's tragedy is a stark reminder that this stretch of the river is extremely dangerous and not meant for recreation. Unlike the Boise River near Barber Park, this stretch is not maintained and can be extremely dangerous to individuals trying to recreate, including swimming and kayaking," Meridian Fire Department says. "In addition, untrimmed trees and hazards in the river make it incredibly dangerous for first responders to complete rescues."
Meridian Fire extends its condolences to the family of the deceased.
Ada County Coroner's Office reports that the deceased kayaker was 69-year-old James Laughlin from Eagle. At approximately 04:02 p.m. on Oct. 9, the Coroner's Office was dispatched to the 2200 block of West Duck Alley Road in Eagle, where Laughlin was pronounced dead.
The report lists the cause of death as drowning and the manner of death as an accident.
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