Two Missing River Boaters Are Identified

Searchers continued combing the Kootenai River on Monday, looking for two Bonners Ferry, Idaho, men missing since a weekend boating accident.

Dozens of searchers with dogs walked the river’s banks while boats cruised a three-mile stretch of water.

The two missing men were identified by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department as Ken Stiles, 44, and Jason Cook, 34.

A third man, Gary Kerby, 52, survived the accident. He was treated for minor injuries at an area hospital and released.

A jet boat carrying all three men capsized Saturday night near Kootenai Falls. A fisherman alerted deputies to the accident after he saw coolers and other items floating down the river about 8 p.m.

A swift current and deep water have hampered the search, deputies said. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has agreed to lower the river level to aid in the search, deputies said.

Officials expect the river will be at its lowest by Wednesday. Searchers plan to continue looking for the men at least through Wednesday.

A trust fund has been established at Panhandle State Bank to help Cook’s family. Donations can be made to any of the bank’s branches.