RedactedNarrative: The operator and victim were floating the Yellowstone River on July 17th, 2016 near Columbus, MT.  They were floating in the operators 13 foot NRS River Otter raft. Just upriver of the highway 78 bridge in Columbus at approximately 1530, they hit a rapid and were both thrown out of the raft.  The operator was able to get to shore and called for help.  The victim drifted down river and was found deceased by Stillwater County SAR about 1 mile down river of the Itch-Kep-Pe city park in Columbus.  The cause of death was drowning. The operator was taken to the Columbus hospital and treated for minor leg injuries. The raft was recovered with no damage to it.  There were 2 pfd''s in the raft, but neither individual were wearing them.