The Boise Fire Dive Rescue Team was holding a training on the Boise River on Tuesday when it recovered a body that the Ada County Coroner's Office identified as the kayaker who went missing on May 1.
The man was identified as Tracy Demaree, 63, of Boise according to a news release. The coroner's office was called to the Boise River just before 6 p.m. on May 16, when Demaree's body was recovered. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
As Boise State Public Radio previously reported, Demaree was last seen near E. Parkcenter Bridge. The body was recovered about a quarter mile from that location, according to a news release. Boise Fire recovered an inflatable kayak from the river on that day.
Nine Boise Fire units, including the river rescue boat, and Boise Police with drones responded to look for Demaree but were not able to find him. The incident was then turned over to the Ada County Sheriff's Office to investigate a missing person.
On May 13, the Boise Fire Department rescued a different man who was floating in the river without a life jacket when he fell out of his tube. Dive 1 found the man holding on to a tree in the middle of the river. Due to the swift flows and cold temperatures, officials said he was not able to swim to shore.
A dangerous River Condition notice is in effect. The following river hazards can warrant the notice to be issued:
- Swift water that can carry people and pets away
- Cold water can cause loss of motor and muscle control
- Debris in the river
- High water levels create reduced clearance when going under bridges
- Soft and unstable river banks
