Obituaries
Inland Empire Teen Dies In Snake River Following Boating Accident
Idaho authorities recovered the body of Landon Tucker Ward, 19, from the river. He was an Apple Valley native who was just getting started.
APPLE VALLEY, CA — A teenager who grew up in Apple Valley and was tragically killed late last month in a boating accident on the Snake River in Idaho is being remembered as a loving family member who was learning that kindness, a strong work ethic, and saving for the future were valuable traits in life.
The body of Landon Tucker Ward, 19, was recovered from the river near the Twin Falls Dam on Aug. 31, according to the Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office. The law enforcement agency reported that it was dispatched to the area that same day for reports of a possible drowning.
Rescue crews used side scan sonar to locate the teen, and divers were able to recover his body just before 7 p.m., according to Idaho News 6.
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KMVT11 reported the victim fell off a boat and never resurfaced.
"Our hearts go out to the family and friends who are grieving this tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts during this difficult time," the sheriff's office wrote on Facebook.
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The law enforcement agency stated that further details were not being released.
According to an obituary shared by Horsley Funeral Home in Malad City, Idaho, Ward was born in Apple Valley and lived in the town nearly all his life with his parents and siblings. He attended Sitting Bull Academy through elementary and middle school, and later attended Apple Valley High School, graduating in May 2024.
The night of his high school graduation, Ward loaded up his truck, and he and a friend headed to Twin Falls, Idaho, so they could begin classes at "Prime Line Academy" and learn to become linemen. Ward graduated from the trade school and was quickly hired by DE Power in Ashton, Idaho. At the time of his death, his co-workers were trying to help him get into a union apprentice program, according to the obituary.
Ward was being buried in Apple Valley. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the Ward family with funeral expenses. You can donate here: Support the Ward Family After the Sudden Loss of Their Son
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