Stanley Man Missing After Rafting Accident
Custer County authorities are searching the Salmon River near Stanley for a missing rafter. Mark McCoy was thrown from the raft after it apparently struck a partially submerged log. McCoy’s companion, Steven Herrett was able to reach the shore, but could not locate his friend in the water. Both men are in their early 30’s. Herret’s dog, which was also thrown from the raft is also missing.
Herrett told authorities he and McCoy entered the river late Saturday night to go fishing. The raft hit a submerged log and forced the men to enter the water. The Salmon River is in the beginning stages of high water and the current is very swift.
Custer County Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Mitchell was called to the scene around 10 p.m. Saturday with a Stanley Search and Rescue Team. Sheriff Stuart Lumpikin activated the County Search and Rescue overnight. By early Sunday, Challis SAR, County Deputies, River Rafting Guides, and a contingent of Stanley residents had joined the search.
The search effort, which resumed at first light Monday, is focusing on an area from Casino Creek to State Creek and beyond. Several other agencies, including the Bonneville and Blaine County Search and Rescue and Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue Dogs were expected to join the search Monday.
