Body of Hayden man recovered from Coeur d'Alene River

KINGSTON –– The body of a Hayden man was recovered from the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River on Saturday following two days of searching. 

Thomas Wise, 70, was fly fishing with his grandson near the Bumblebee area of the river when he slipped and fell into the swiftly moving water Friday afternoon, according to the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office.

Law enforcement and emergency rescue crews from across the region spent Friday searching for Wise. They used drones, personal watercraft and other methods but suspended their efforts due to darkness.

The SCSO reached out to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office for use of their dive team, which located Wise’s body in the river. 

“It breaks my heart to see our beautiful river claim another life,” Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey said. “My deepest condolences go out to Thomas' family. I cannot fathom the strength it must take to endure such a loss."

Shoshone County Fire District No. 2 assisted in the search and recovery efforts.

Conditions along the Coeur d’Alene River become dangerous when the annual spring runoff elevates the water level, which causes the river to flow faster and reduces visibility in the water.

A GoFundMe has been set up to assist Wise’s family.