Search For Missing Big Hole Rafter Suspended

Beaverhead County officials say they have suspended their search for a missing rafter until the Big Hole River drops.

Sheriff Jay Hansen says officials suspended the search Saturday for 41-year-old Christopher Baxer of Southbury, Conn., after the rising level of the river made it too dangerous for searchers.

Baxer was last seen Thursday morning floating down the fast-moving Big Hole River after the raft he was in capsized about 11:15 a.m. between Melrose and Brown's Bridge.

Hansen says that another man in the raft was rescued by a man in a second raft.

Baxer was last seen floating downstream on his back and appeared to be in control and alive. Hansen says Baxer was reported to be a good swimmer but was not wearing a life jacket.

Associated Press