While boating down the Middle Fork Salmon River in Southeast Idaho, 73-year-old Thomas Gray encountered trouble when a series of log jams caused his vessel to break apart, injuring his leg. He managed to swim to shore after being ejected from his boat at Dagger Falls and took shelter at the Boundary Creek boat launch site.
Gray spent two nights in the boat ramp’s outhouse before attempting a hike toward civilization, eventually finding shelter in a snowmobiling club’s trailer in Bruce Meadows. The next day, he continued his journey but soon became too exhausted to proceed. Fortunately, two people traveling toward Boundary Creek spotted him and, with the help of first responders on board, gave immediate aid.
After being found, Gray was reunited with his wife at the Custer County Sheriff’s Office. It’s believed that he walked about 23 miles without food, relying only on creeks and snow for hydration. Authorities are taking the opportunity to remind the public of the importance of not venturing into the wilderness alone and being well-prepared. The sheriff's office expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the positive outcome of Gray's ordeal.
Source: PEOPLE
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