CLEARWATER TRIBUNE HOME

JUNE 17, 2010

Missing Kayaker found

   The Clearwater County Sheriff's Office was advised of a missing Kayaker on Lolo Creek, Clearwater County, on Saturday, June 12 at 10:37 p.m. Chief Deputy Rick Miller was the responding officer.

   This creek enters the Clearwater River just above Greer. The reporting party, Zachary Bishop, 32 of Moscow called to advise that he and his friend Alan Peterson, 42 of Lewiston had run into rough water and had got separated. Bishop had walked out of the canyon and was to meet Peterson at their vehicle near Greer. When Peterson had not arrived at approximately 10:30 p.m. Bishop called for assistance.

   Clearwater County Sheriff Search and Rescue members were called and a search was initiated. Search teams from Clearwater County and Idaho County Search and Rescue started up the canyon during the early morning hours. A helicopter from the Back Country Medics out of Orofino and a Helicopter from Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane were used in the area to search for Peterson.

   Both Kayaks were located in the creek by helicopter with no one around them. Ground and air search continued until approximately 12:12 p.m. on Sunday. This is when Peterson was located on Hwy. 11 between Greer and Weippe. Peterson had walked out of the canyon and was in good health. Idaho Fish and Game personnel also assisted with the search.