SANDPOINT, ID – The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the body of a missing boater was recovered from Lake Pend Oreille following a multi-day search.
On August 29 at approximately 5:28 p.m., deputies were notified of an overdue boater after a severe storm passed through the area. Marine deputies located the missing vessel near the City Beach boat launch within half an hour, but the operator, identified as 71-year-old Rodrick Crawford of Sandpoint, was not on board.
Investigators believe Crawford may have voluntarily entered the water for recreation. A search was launched that evening and continued until September 1, when Crawford was found deceased north of the train bridge in Lake Pend Oreille.
The effort involved the Sheriff’s Office Marine Division, Sonar Team, Dive Team, and Drone Team, with assistance from the Sandpoint Police Department. Officials said foul play is not suspected and described the incident as a tragic accident. The Bonner County Coroner’s Office will determine the official cause of death.
Sheriff’s officials also thanked the community for their offers of assistance during the search.
