A 14-year-old Montana boy used a lasso to rescue a man from the Yellowstone River after a raft and paddleboard struck a bridge pillar. The collision sent four people into the water near Pelican Fishing Access, close to Greycliff, Montana, on July 5. Three people reached shore, but one man drifted downstream while holding onto a cooler. The teenager, who had been practicing roping cattle on his family’s ranch, reached the man before first responders arrived.
| 1) | Rafting accident sends four people into the river |
| 2) | Teen responds as man drifts downstream |
| 3) | Lariat helps bring the man to safety |
| 4) | Ranch skills prove useful in an emergency |
| 5) | Sheriff’s office recognizes the rescue |
Rafting accident sends four people into the river
The incident occurred on July 5 near Pelican Fishing Access in the Yellowstone River area close to Greycliff, Montana. A raft and a paddleboard struck a bridge pillar, throwing four people into the fast-moving water. Three of them managed to get back to shore, while another man continued downstream while clinging to a cooler.
The accident created an immediate danger because the current was carrying the man away from the group. The people nearby heard cries for help while camping with the Thomas family. The man was not speaking as he floated downstream, according to the teenager’s account.
Teen responds as man drifts downstream
Jory Thomas, 14, said he understood that there was little time to wait. He emptied his pockets, crossed a waist-deep side channel and ran along the riverbank to reach a position where he could help.
“Only thing I could focus on was helping him get out of the water because I didn’t want to see anyone go in front of me.”
Thomas was camping with his family when the emergency unfolded. His decision was based on the man’s rapid movement downstream and the risk that he could be carried farther into the river before professional responders reached him.
Lariat helps bring the man to safety
Thomas had brought a 12-foot lariat with him, an unusual item for a camping trip but one that proved decisive. After reaching the bank, he threw the rope toward the drifting man and caught him on the first attempt.
“My first instinct, I thought, was try and rope him and drag him out before he gets too far down the river. Luckily, I caught him first try.”
The teenager then pulled the man toward shore through chest-deep water. He continued the effort until first responders arrived and took over the rescue. The account does not provide details about the rescued man’s medical condition.
Ranch skills prove useful in an emergency
Thomas had begun taking roping more seriously during the year while helping with cattle on his family’s ranch. He said his technique improved through repeated practice with livestock, but he had expected to use those skills for ranch work rather than for saving a person.
Thomas also attributed his decision to his faith, saying he believed he had been in the right place at the right time. His response combined familiarity with a lariat, a clear view of the danger and a quick decision to act while the current was moving the man downstream.
“I just thought I could help with cattle. Not really helping humans and stuff like that. But I’m glad I was here to help.”
Sheriff’s office recognizes the rescue
The Sweet Grass County Sheriff’s Office later honored Thomas with a Certificate of Achievement for the rescue. Sheriff Alan Ronneberg and Undersheriff Ron Swanson recognized the teenager for helping the man near Pelican Fishing Access.
The recognition highlighted how a skill developed on a Montana ranch became useful during a sudden river emergency. Thomas’s actions helped keep the man connected to shore until trained first responders arrived.
| 1 | A bridge-pillar collision sent four people into the Yellowstone River. |
|---|---|
| 2 | Jory Thomas used a 12-foot lariat to catch a man drifting downstream. |
| 3 | Thomas pulled the man toward shore through chest-deep water. |
| 4 | The teenager had been practicing roping cattle on his family’s ranch. |
| 5 | The Sweet Grass County Sheriff’s Office presented Thomas with a Certificate of Achievement. |
Summary
A fast decision and practiced ranch skill enabled 14-year-old Jory Thomas to help rescue a man after a boating accident on the Yellowstone River. Thomas used a lariat to secure the man and pull him toward shore before first responders arrived. County authorities later recognized the teenager’s actions with a formal certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the rescue happen?
The rescue happened near Pelican Fishing Access on the Yellowstone River, close to Greycliff, Montana.
How did Jory Thomas help the man?
Thomas used a 12-foot lariat to catch the man as he drifted downstream, then pulled him toward shore through chest-deep water.
Why was Thomas honored?
The Sweet Grass County Sheriff’s Office honored Thomas with a Certificate of Achievement for helping rescue the man after the rafting accident.