Idaho boy, 18, is killed in freak accident while fishing and camping with friend
An Idaho teen was crushed to death after a boulder fell on him while he was fishing and camping with a friend.
Sheldon Medford, 18, was out in Ahsahka on June 7 when the tragedy occurred, according to the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office.
Medford and his unidentified friend set up camp along the North Fork of the Clearwater River below the Dworshak Dam.
Police responded to a report that a boulder fell on an individual about one mile down Northfork Drive at around 9:35 p.m. MT.
Upon arrival, first responders found Medford pinned under a large boulder and declared him deceased at the scene.
Sheriff Chris Goetz told The Lewiston Tribune that the boulder tumbled down without warning and struck Medford's friend in the arm before landing on top of him.
He said the rock from the top of the riverbank — not from the canyon hills above — and rolled toward Medford as he was fishing.
The boulder was roughly 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet, according to the sheriff. Goetz said, 'This is the first time that has happened' along that popular fishing spot.
Medford's heartbroken family has launched a GoFundMe to help raise funds for his funeral, which has yet to be scheduled.
'Sheldon touched so many throughout his life with his loving heart, kindness, laughter and love for the outdoors,' the fundraiser said.
'Sheldon 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.'
His friend, Hunter Brown, said on Facebook, '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.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
STV News
an hour ago
- STV News
Tributes to 'adoring' dad after body discovered on road
A man who died after his body was discovered on a road in Perthshire has been named locally. Emergency services were called to the Dunning to Kinross road at around 7am on Friday after a 29-year-old man was found dead. He has been named locally as Stephen Speedie. Officers initially arrested a 40-year-old woman and two men, aged 36 and 42, in connection with the incident. Both men are due to appear at Perth Sheriff Court on Monday. The woman was released pending further enquiries. A GoFundMe page was set up by Mr Speedie's family to help with funeral costs. A tribute reads: 'Our son Stephen Speedie sadly passed away suddenly on Friday, June 13. 'The funds will be used for funeral costs and to give him the best send off and would help us massively. 'Stephen sadly leaves behind his beautiful two-year-old daughter, who he adored dearly.' A Facebook group was set up in his memory, with one person writing: 'Stephen I can't believe you're gone brother. We had the best times and great memories that will always stay with me. 'You were the life and soul of the parties and a great friend that I'm truly going to miss.' Police say an investigation into the incident is still ongoing. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Around 7am on Friday, June 13, 2025, we were called to the death of a 29-year-old man on the Dunning to Kinross road in Perth. 'Two men, aged 36 and 42, were arrested and charged in connection with the death. 'They are due to appear at Perth Sheriff Court on Monday, June 16. 'A 40-year-old woman was also arrested and has been released pending further investigation. 'Enquiries remain ongoing.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Boy, two, accidentally kills his mother with his father's gun while playing with it in front of them
This is the horror moment a two-year-old child accidentally shoots his mum dead after picking up his dad's gun in front of his parents and starting to play with the weapon. Video footage of the sickening incident showed the boy grabbing the firearm from a table and fooling around with it for a few seconds before pulling the trigger as his mum turned to look at him. The couple appeared to be so deep in conversation they failed to notice their son had the Glock 9mm pistol in his hands until it was too late. The victim was shot in the chest and arm, and initially seemed to have survived the shooting and stood up to examine her wounds in a state of shock as the youngster dropped the gun and ran towards her. But as her husband assisted her before going to retrieve the weapon from the floor and the little boy walked away, she followed the youngster and fell to the ground dying. The 27-year-old woman has been named locally as Deborah Rodrigues Monteiro and pictured in Brazilian media. Police have confirmed her farmer husband, who had a licence for the weapon, will face manslaughter charges but will remain a free man while the investigation against him continues. It was not immediately clear if he would continue to be able to look after his son or whether the youngster would be taken into local social service care. The incident happened on Friday night in the small town of Rio Verde de Mato Grosso in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The horror sequence of events was captured on the couple's own home camera which looked onto the veranda where the family were relaxing. The couple appeared to be so deep in conversation they failed to notice their son had the Glock 9mm pistol in his hands Local police chief Danielle Felismino confirmed the gunshot victim had been taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead. The weapon she was killed with and ammunition has been seized by detectives. The horror sequence of events was captured on the couple's own home camera which looked onto the veranda where the family were relaxing. The autopsy is understood to have taken place yesterday morning although the results have not yet been made public. Social media users responded to the tragedy by offering Deborah's loved ones their support. The victim initially seemed to have survived the shooting and stood up to examine her wounds in a state of shock. But as her husband assisted her before going to retrieve the weapon from the floor and the little boy walked away, she followed the youngster and fell to the ground dying The autopsy is understood to have taken place yesterday morning although the results have not yet been made public Jota Pereira wrote: 'My condolences to the family and friends. How sad!' Marileide Garcia added: 'My deepest condolences to the family and friends at such a difficult moment.' In June 2023 pregnant Ohio mother Laura Ilg and her unborn baby were killed after her toddler accidentally shot her in the back. Police said afterwards a bedroom door had been accidentally left open and enabled Laura's two-year-old son to access the gun on a nightstand inside.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Tributes paid to ‘selfless' mother killed during skydiving tragedy in Devon
A 'selfless' mother has died in a skydiving incident on Friday with her family left devastated after she fell 15,000ft to her death. Belinda Taylor, 48, had been participating in a tandem skydive at Dunkeswell airfield in Devon when she was killed after jumping from the aircraft. A second skydiver, whose identity has not yet been revealed, also died in the incident. Posting on social media, her partner Scott Armstrong wrote: 'I miss you so much, you were my best friend, thank you for everything you [have] done for me. From making my children feel at home to putting up with my mess.' Her eldest son, Connor Bowles, told DevonLive: 'On Friday, 13 June, our family lost our mum Belinda Taylor. "She was a mother of four children, three adult boys and one teenage girl, and a grandmother to two young children. "She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones. She will be deeply missed and will leave an everlasting impression on all those she has met in life. "We as a family would like to ask for peace and privacy during this time whilst we grieve our loss and remember our mum as we should do.' Emergency services were called to the area at around 1pm following concerns for the welfare of two people, with both skydivers confirmed dead at the scene. Chief executive of British Skydiving, Robert Gibson, said in a statement: 'Today, Friday 13 June 2025, British Skydiving has been notified of a tragic accident in which two jumpers lost their lives. 'Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends and the entire skydiving community. 'A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will investigate the accident. 'Once complete, a report – setting out the Board's conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the CAA, the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC) and any other relevant authorities. 'No further details will be provided at this time. We respectfully ask for privacy for all those affected at this difficult time.'
