20 hours ago
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.'
