Local man's body found in Clark Fork river

By Andrew Fish / Leader Staff

The Missoula County Sheriff's office confirmed that the body of Kimo Ray Jackson, 27, was discovered in the Clark Fork River on July 10.

Jackson, originally of Ronan, was floating on the Blackfoot river near Bonner on June 28 with two companions when a strong current pulled him downstream and underwater. His two companions attempted to reach him, but were unsuccessful. Water levels on the Blackfoot were higher than they have been in the past few years. According to data available on the United States Geological Survey National Water System website, the Blackfoot River was flowing at nearly 4,200 cubic feet per second. This is 50 percent greater than the mean annual streamflow of 2,500 CFS.

Missoula County Sheriff Mike McMeekin said that the body was found approximately 90 mile downstream from the Reserve Street Bridge in Missoula, which is a little more than 20-river-miles from where Jackson was pulled under. The spot where Jackson's remains were discovered is a small island upstream of the Kelly Island group."He was found in an area that was completely inundated when started searching," said McMeekin. "Just the willows were breaking the tops of the water."

Jackson's disappearance triggered an extensive multi-agency The groups conducting the search included the sheriff's office, the Missoula County Search and Rescue team, city fire departments and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. Construction crews working on a bridge project near the site also pitched in, using their cranes and excavators to move debris piles. According to McMeekin, the all-volunteer search and rescue team logged 300 hours of searching. That time does not include the hours put in by paid staff from the various agencies involved. High water levels stymied the search, though. McMeekin said. that as the water receded, searchers would return to spots that had been previously searched.

McMeekin said that historically speaking, the water level used to be closer to the level it was at when Jackson drowned. Unfortunately, it hasnt been that high for several years and thats when people get into trouble, explained McMeekin. "Most people who go out on the water simply do not understand hydrology, they don't understand the power of the water," said McMeekin. "If they get caught in a debris field then there isn't time to get a life-vest on, once they fall off it's too late."

Above all, McMeekin stressed that water safety should be paramount on the minds of all those engaged in water recreation. He said that the size of the stream matters little. "Main thing that I'm trying to get out is water safety," said McMeekin. "People being careful themselves, keep an extra eye on their children. Even around small streams, it doesn't have to be a big river, small children can disappear quickly."

A memorial service for Jackson was held at the Meadow View Community Church in Missoula on Tuesday, July 8. Memorial funds have been set up in Jackson's name in Missoula at the Missoula Federal Credit Union and in Ronan at the Valley Bank.