April 21, 2009 in City

Rafter killed in accident on Snake River

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Associated Press photo

A rafter is loaded onto a helicopter Sunday on the Murtaugh Canyon stretch of the Snake River. The accident claimed the life of Dirk Gombert, of Idaho Falls. The other three members of the rafting party were not injured.
(Full-size photo)

TWIN FALLS, Idaho – Authorities are investigating a rafting accident on a turbulent stretch of the Snake River that led to the death of an Idaho Falls man.

The Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as Dirk Gombert.

Investigators say Gombert was rafting Sunday with three others in a stretch of the river known as Murtaugh Canyon, a popular section that features challenging rapids and is only accessible during high water.

Sheriff spokeswoman Lori Nebeker said the accident happened near the well-known “Let’s Make a Deal” rapid. Nebeker said the raft got stuck below the rapid and was unable to move downstream.

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