Man dies after being rescued from the Snake River

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A 76-year-old Ammon man has died after being pulled from the Snake River in downtown Idaho Falls on Monday evening, marking the third drowning incident along the river this summer.

The Bonneville County Coroner’s Office identified the victim Tuesday morning as Bruce Dobson.

According to the Idaho Falls Police Department, emergency dispatch received a 911 call around 5:20 p.m. Monday reporting a man in the water along the west bank of the river. First responders from the police and fire departments quickly retrieved Dobson from the water and administered lifesaving measures before transporting him to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

At this time, the coroner's office says the cause and manner of death are still under investigation.

"Our sincere condolences to the family and friends who have been affected by this loss," wrote the coroner's office.

Dobson's death comes after two more confirmed deaths along the downtown Greenbelt area this 2026 summer season.

Weeks ago, on August 30, 88-year-old Teng Go fell into the Snake River near the Broadway Bridge. His body was recovered several days later, about 46 feet below the surface.

There was also a June incident involving 54-year-old John Green, who fell into the river near the Broadway Bridge. His body has not been recovered. Authorities said at the time that the river's speed, murky water, and dangerous conditions were making the search extremely difficult.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Local News 8 previously reported that the Idaho Falls Police Department was investigating the Monday incident as a potential suicide. That report has been updated following new information provided by the Bonneville County Coroner's Office.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You are not alone. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services are free and confidential.