On June 8, 2023, at approximately 1:48 PM, Idaho county deputies
responded to a report of a vehicle in the Lochsa River about 68 miles
upriver from Kooskia on Highway 12.
91 year-old Clifford Parver of Whitefish, Montana was stuck in his vehicle about 50 feet from the bank.
Kooskia Ambulance, as well as Lowell QRU were dispatched. Idaho
County Dispatch requested Three Rivers Rafting respond. We appreciate
their willingness to assist in any emergency.
Approximately 15-20 people who had been passing by stopped to help
before law enforcement or EMS could arrive. Deputies were unable to get
the names of all involved, but two they were able to identify were
Keegan Francher and JT Sohr.
JT Sohr, a firefighter for the United States Forest Service, had
recently finished swift water rescuing training. JT used his personal
rafting equipment to assist the driver and only occupant of the vehicle
out of the vehicle. In the process, JT lost about $250.00
worth of equipment down the river.
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.
91
year old Clifford Parver of Whitefish, MT was stuck in his car after it
went into the Lochsa River about 68 miles upriver from Kooskia.
JT Sohr, a US
Forest Service firefighter, had recently undergone swiftwater rescue
training and used his own equipment to rescue Parver from his vehicle.
He was one of about 15-20 people who had stopped to help when they saw
Parver’s vehicle in the river. Sohr is shown with his vehicle and
equipment and above that as he rescued Parver from his car.
Parver’s vehicle in the river. Photos provided by Idaho County Sheriff’s Dept.
