14-year-old Jory Thomas, who was camping with his family in Montana, sprang into action when he heard cries for help from the Yellowstone River. The teen managed to rescue a man who was clinging to a cooler and being swept away in the fast-flowing water, using a lasso he had brought with him.
Four people fall into water after hitting bridge pier
In the incident that occurred near the town of Greycliff on July 5, a raft and a stand-up paddleboard collided with a bridge pier. This collision caused four people to fall into the river. While three managed to reach the shore, a fourth person was swept away by the current and had to cling to a cooler.
Thomas recounted those moments: "The current was quite fast and the man was moving quickly. My only focus was to get him out of the water."
Succeeds on first attempt
After crossing a side channel where the water reached his waist, Thomas ran along the shore to get ahead of the man. Preparing his 12-meter lasso he had brought from home, the teen said, "My first instinct was to lasso him before he was carried too far downstream. Fortunately, I got him on the first try."
After Thomas pulled the man to shore through chest-deep water, emergency teams arrived on the scene and took over.
Ranch-honed skill saves life
Jory Thomas said he developed his lasso skills this year while working with cattle on the family ranch. "I got better as I kept throwing the lasso," said the teen, describing his feelings during the rescue: "God put me right in the middle of all this. He told me, 'Go get him, you'll make it, I believe in you.'"
Sheriff's office presents certificate
The Sweet Grass County Sheriff's Office awarded Jory Thomas a Certificate of Achievement for his brave rescue at the Pelican Fishing Access area. Sheriff Alan Ronneberg and Deputy Sheriff Ron Swanson presented the award, and the sheriff's office shared a note on social media: "Well done Jory!"
