An 18-year-old boy from Idaho lost his life in a tragic accident while camping and fishing with a friend in Ahsahka. The incident occurred on June 7, when a large boulder unexpectedly tumbled down and crushed Sheldon Medford, according to the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office.
Medford and his friend had set up their campsite along the North Fork of the Clearwater River, just below the Dworshak Dam. Authorities received a distress call around 9:35 p.m. MT, reporting that a boulder had fallen on an individual roughly one mile down Northfork Drive.
When first responders arrived, they found Medford pinned beneath the massive rock and pronounced him dead at the scene. Clearwater County Sheriff Chris Goetz told The Lewiston Tribune that the boulder had come loose from the riverbank — not the canyon hillside — and rolled down as Medford was fishing. Before striking Medford, it also hit his friend in the arm.
The sheriff estimated the boulder’s size at approximately 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet. He noted, “This is the first time that has happened” in that area, which is a popular fishing destination.
Medford’s grieving family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for funeral expenses, which are still being arranged. The fundraiser describes Sheldon as a warm and adventurous young man, stating: “Sheldon touched so many throughout his life with his loving heart, kindness, laughter, and love for the outdoors. He was so much more than just a son and brother; he was a best friend, a partner in crime, an avid outdoorsman, a free spirit, and a true source of joy and silliness. This loss was sudden and has left a void in our hearts.”
Hunter Brown, a close friend of Medford, also shared his sorrow in a Facebook post. “Sheldon and I have had some good memories together like shed hunting, turkey hunting and bear hunting, fishing. He was an awesome guy, always willing to help when you needed help and always willing to do anything,” Brown wrote.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the rockfall, though they have emphasized it appears to be a freak and unprecedented natural accident.
Related Topics
- Accessible Wilderness: Exploring New Zealand’s West Coast Wilderness Trail on Two Wheels
- Srinagar Hosts Cyclothon to Promote Unity, Fitness, and Youth Engagement
- Cyclists Rally at Hampton Beach, Raise Over $900K for Alzheimer’s Research