A man who fell into the frigid Snake River when his canoe tipped in April was found Monday, about three weeks later, according to the Ada County Sheriff’s Office.
The Ada County Coroner’s Office identified the man as Douglas Wick, 31, of Boise. His body was found near the Walters Ferry boat landing and Idaho 45 near Nampa on Monday morning — about 8.5 miles downriver from where the canoe tipped.
Wick and a 31-year-old woman who has not been named were canoeing in the Snake River near the Swan Falls Dam in Melba on April 21. The couple was only 1.5 miles from Celebration Park when they hit water turbulence and the canoe tipped.
Sheriff’s deputies say the two had life jackets in their canoe but were not wearing them at the time. The woman was able to grab a life jacket to keep her afloat and swim to shore, according to the sheriff’s office. Witnesses said Wick held onto the canoe for awhile before attempting to swim to shore.
The woman was treated for hypothermia on scene by paramedics.
The water was 53 degree at the time Wick and the woman fell in and was dozens of feet deep, according to the sheriff’s office.
A group of Ada, Canyon, and Owhyee county sheriff’s deputies searched the area using sonar detection equipment in boats, while pilots of an air ambulance helicopter did an aerial search of the river and riverbanks. The search, which lasted for several days following his disappearance, was called off when there was no sign of Wick.
A person called Canyon County dispatch Monday morning to report a body in river past Celebration Park. Owyhee County Sheriff’s deputies recovered Wick’s body using a boat.
Wick was identified as a veterinarian for Intermountain Pet Hospital in Meridian, according to the business’ website.
“Dr. Wick truly embodied the values, spirit, and heart of Intermountain Pet Hospital and was a true champion for providing the best care possible to every pet he has ever seen here. He will be truly missed by everyone here,” the post on the website reads.
