CASCADE, Idaho — Authorities confirmed the recovery of a driver from the Payette River following a crash on Sunday, May 31.
The Valley County Sheriff's Office announced that the driver was found 2 miles downstream from the crash site. The incident occurred on Highway 55, south of Cascade, when a Dodge Ram crossed into the northbound lane and collided with another vehicle before plunging into the river.
Search crews have been active in the vicinity, conducting searches for potential survivors since the accident. Authorities identified the driver as a 40-year-old man from Billings, Montana; however, his name has not yet been released.
Idaho State Police reported that the search efforts faced challenges due to the swift current and high water levels. “The conditions have made this a complex response involving specialized rescue resources,” said ISP Trooper Richard Knapp.
The VCSO has notified the victim's family, and the area has been cleared by responding crews. According to Idaho State Police, evidence suggests that only one individual was in the vehicle, and all parties related to the crash have been accounted for.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing.