RedactedNarrative: On May 8, 2022 a group of four kayakers put in on the Yaak River just below the Yaak Falls. On this day spring run off was at a peak and the river was extremely rapid. According to data from USGS the river was flowing at a rate of 5,880 cfs. Average summertime flows range in the area of 100-300 cfs. 
  
  At approximately 12:00 p.m. the group ran a set of rapids near the 3 mile marker. The victim was the first to enter the rapids and was thrown from their kayak and into the river. The following three kayakers were able to reach the victim and he held on to their kayaks as they attempted to get to shore but were unsuccessful due to the rough water. During this time the victim was being submerged partially underwater in the rapids and could not maintain hold of their kayaks. 
  
  One of the kayakers went ahead and was able to get on shore and attempted to throw a rescue line to the victim. The victim at this point was unresponsive and unable to grab the throw rope. At this point the three kayaks had rolled multiple times attempting to rescue the victim and decided that it was too dangerous to continue attempting rescue. The three kayakers were able to get to shore and hike out to a road nearby. One kayaker initiated an SOS signal with his device and was also able to catch a ride into cell service where he called 911 to report what happened. Lincoln County deputies were first on scene and Search and Rescue was also dispatched to the location. Search and rescue eventually located the deceased victim in the Kootenai River approximately 7-10 miles from the incident location. Cause of death was determined to be drowning by the Lincoln County coroner. 
  
  All four kayakers were experienced in running white water and were wearing type V life jackets and helmets. The victim was wearing a dry top and dry pants and the other three were wearing full dry suits. The primary cause of the accident was hazardous water conditions. The cold water temperature may have played a role as well.
  