Payette River's Deadly Reputation Resurfaces After Pickup Truck Crash Claims Victim

Payette River, which is counted among the most dangerous waterways in the American West, has likely claimed another life. On May 31, an individual was swept away by the strong currents after his pickup truck fell into the river following a crash.

The person is now missing. Meanwhile, witnesses of the accident said more people might be trapped inside the vehicle. As the search and rescue operation continues, the Payette River is back in the news for its deadly reputation. The river has seen several drownings in recent years.

The incident took place in Southern Idaho on May 31. Around 3 p.m., a southbound Dodge Ram pickup truck crossed into the opposite lane on State Highway 55. The truck crashed into another vehicle and ended up falling into the North Fork of the Payette River

Witnesses then called emergency services and said they saw an individual getting out of the truck and being swept downstream. A search operation followed, with multiple agencies arriving at the scene. However, the operation faced obstacles because of strong currents and high water levels.

“The swift current, high water levels, and challenging conditions have made this a complex response involving specialized rescue resources. Our focus remains on locating and identifying anyone involved, safely recovering the vehicle, and determining exactly what occurred,” Trooper Richard Knap said in a statement.

The truck is currently submerged in the river, and police are planning to draw down the water level to continue the rescue operation. The identity of the person who was swept away, as well as any other potential victims, has not been released. Meanwhile, three people in the vehicle that was struck by the pickup truck suffered minor injuries.

Idaho State Police have urged family members who are unable to contact loved ones who were traveling near the river that day to contact authorities. “Individuals with family members or loved ones who were traveling through the area [Sunday] afternoon and have been unable to contact them are also encouraged to call,” police said.

Payette River has been the site of several deadly accidents and drownings in recent times. In September 2025, a truck heading north on Highway 55 drove into the North Fork of the river. A 45-year-old man was killed in the accident.

“That’s a treacherous area to swim. Like most rivers, the most dangerous part is what you can’t see, and that is under the water,” Rob Shelton, a member of Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue, said at the time.

In July 2025, six people got separated from their raft in the river, and one individual was injured. Earlier, in May 2024, three deaths were reported in the river within a week. One of the victims was 24-year-old Daniel Frandson, whose body was recovered near the Montour Bridge in Gem County, Idaho.