Officials identify body found in Portneuf River near Lava Hot Springs

LAVA HOT SPRINGS, Idaho (KIFI) - UPDATE 9/28/23: The Bannock County Coroner’s Office, in cooperation with the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, has confirmed the identity of the deceased found in the Portneuf River north of Lava Hot Springs on Tuesday.

Officials say 59-year-old Jeffrey Jenson of Simi Valley, California was pronounced dead at the scene.

Next of kin has been notified.

The incident remains under investigation by the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office.

“My heart goes out to Jeffrey’s family and friends as they grieve the loss of their loved one,” Coroner Torey Danner said. 

ORIGINAL: The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a death after a man was found in the Portneuf River near Lava Hot Springs. 

The incident began around 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday when a man was reported missing. Shortly after that, a friend searching for him found the man unresponsive in the Portneuf River near the lower sportsman access point north of Lava Hot Springs. 

Deputies from the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office arrived and began CPR while awaiting emergency medical services. Unfortunately, life-saving efforts were unsuccessful, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man was likely fishing in the area, as deputies located fishing equipment nearby.

The Bannock County Coroner’s Office is conducting an investigation into the cause of death. The deceased’s identity will be released after next of kin is notified. 

Portneuf Air Rescue, Pocatello Ambulance Services and Lava Hot Springs Ambulance responded to the incident.