Body of Missing 19-Year-Old Man Found Near Swan Falls Dam

Rescue crews recovered the body of a 19-year-old man near Swan Falls Dam south of Kuna, Idaho, on Monday. The operation followed a search that began Sunday, June 21, after the Ada County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) responded to a water rescue call involving a father and son.

The Ada County Coroner’s Office stated Monday that the man’s identity will be released once next of kin are notified. The office issued a statement extending condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

How was the search conducted at Swan Falls Dam?

Dispatchers received the initial call around 3 p.m. on June 21. According to the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, witnesses reported a father and son were in distress. While the father was safely removed from the water, bystanders lost sight of the 19-year-old son in the river.

The response included boats and personnel from ACSO, the Kuna Fire Department, and the Eagle Fire Department, along with paramedics. A medical helicopter from Saint Luke’s Health System and three ACSO drones provided aerial support.

Sgt. Ryan Seely said crews from Kuna were among the first to arrive. Ada County Dive and Rescue teams operated until approximately 9:40 p.m. Sunday, when they exited the water due to low light conditions in the canyon.

Did You Know? The decision to transition a mission from a rescue phase to a recovery phase is typically made once a person has been in the water for more than one hour.

What factors make the Snake River unpredictable?

Sgt. Ryan Seely described the Snake River as unpredictable and noted the presence of dangerous currents. He urged the public to exercise extreme caution around all waterways to avoid similar incidents.

Response times for such emergencies can vary based on unit availability and dispatch, according to Seely. In this instance, recovery efforts continued into Monday morning after ACSO asked the public to avoid the area.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the coordination of multiple agencies—including fire departments, air medical services, and drone units—highlights the complex logistical requirements of canyon rescues. The abrupt halt of dive operations due to “low light” underscores how environmental constraints often dictate the timeline of life-saving efforts.

When does a rescue operation become a recovery mission?

According to Sgt. Seely, the rescue phase is extended as long as possible. While the one-hour mark is a general guideline for shifting to recovery, the final determination rests with the dive team supervisor.

Following the suspension of the search Sunday night, ACSO crews resumed efforts Monday morning. This shift in objective occurred before the body was eventually located.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the incident at Swan Falls Dam occur?
The initial rescue call was received around 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 21.

Which agencies participated in the search?
The operation involved the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle Fire Department, Kuna Fire Department, paramedics, and a medical helicopter from Saint Luke’s Health System.

Why did the dive teams stop searching on Sunday night?
According to ACSO, teams left the water around 9:40 p.m. because of low light conditions in the canyon.

What safety precautions do you take when visiting river dams?