RedactedNarrative: On 06/21/2022, at approximately 1700 hours, Occupant and Operator launched onto the Gros Ventre River at Taylor Bridge in Teton County. This section of the Gros Ventre River was running approximately 2000 cfs and is considered Class III – IV whitewater. Occupant and Operator were onboard a 12-foot, 2-man inflatable cataraft made by Airtight Inflatables (https://www.airtight-inflatables.com/boats) and both men were wearing Type V whitewater lifejackets (see pics for specific lifejacket Occupant was wearing), helmets, dressed in cold water layers and had a throw bag. Neither Occupant or Operator had consumed any alcohol nor taken any drugs (prescription or other) prior to launch. 
  
  Roughly .25-.5 miles below the bridge Occupant and Operator entered the first considerable obstacle known as the Hermit Rapid and flipped their raft. Occupant and Operator quickly became separated from one another, Operator was able to get to shore but lost sight of his friend Occupant who continued downriver. 
  
  An identical raft occupied by friends of Occupant and Operator was a short distance ahead and recognized the overturned raft of Occupant and Operator. Subject1 advised he observed Occupant floating near the overturned raft but could tell Occupant was not moving and was face down. Subject1 advised he and Subject2 were able to get their hands on Occupant for a short period but lost their hold as they entered into another stretch of whitewater. 
  
  Subject1 advised Occupant was unresponsive at this time. Midway through this next whitewater stretch Subject1 and Subject2 were separated from and lost sight of Occupant.  Operator had now scrambled up onto shore and flagged down a passing vehicle on Taylor Ranch rd. This unk individual allowed Operator to take their vehicle to the public takeout some 3 river miles below Taylor Bridge. At the takeout, Operator connected with Subject1 and Subject2 but nobody knew where Occupant was at. With no cell service at the takeout, Operator drove .5 miles up the road to Gros Ventre River Ranch and called 911 which was received by Teton County Dispatch at 1744 hours. Teton County Search and Rescue (SAR), Teton County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Teton Nation Park (GTNP) and a helicopter were dispatched. At 1953 hours the SAR helicopter spotted Occupant floating approximately .8 miles below the public takeout/GTNP boundary. A SAR boat team recovered Occupant at approximately 2000 hours. The SAR boat team brought Occupant downriver to the upper Kelly Bridge.
  
  Conclusion -- Occupant was an experienced and seasoned whitewater paddler with close to 30 years of experience and was properly prepared and equipped for the float. The river section of class III-IV whitewater Occupant was on is considered very dangerous due to exceptionally strong, turbulent current with many rock hazards and rapid sections which in combination with one another were fatal in this incident.
  