Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office

06/07/2026

A tragic reminder from Bear Lake this weekend highlights the importance of water safety.

A 17-year-old paddleboarder from Arizona lost his life after falling from his paddleboard and becoming separated from it. Authorities reported that he was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident. Despite rapid response efforts by multiple emergency agencies, lifesaving measures were unsuccessful.

Unfortunately, incidents involving paddleboards, kayaks, and other non-motorized vessels continue to account for a significant number of boating-related drownings each year. Many of these tragedies share a common factor: the absence of a properly worn life jacket.

Whether you're enjoying the Snake River, a reservoir, or a mountain lake, remember:

- Every non-motorized vessel must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board.
- A sound-producing device, such as a whistle, is required.
- Children under 15 years of age must wear their life jacket while underway.
- Anyone 15 years of age or older must have a life jacket readily accessible, but wearing it is strongly encouraged.

The law may only require adults to have a life jacket available, but it can only save your life if you're wearing it. Cold water, wind, fatigue, unexpected falls, and separation from your vessel can quickly turn a day of recreation into an emergency.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends affected by this tragic loss. Please take a moment to review your safety equipment before heading out on the water and make wearing your life jacket part of every trip.

06/02/2026

Photo taken by Sergeant Schulz Sunday night as the Oakley fire came over the mountain, taken from approximately 4900 East.

05/30/2026

05/28/2026

May 28, 2026
Twin Falls County deputies and search and rescue dive team members recovered the body of an adult male from the Snake River, near the Perrine Bridge, yesterday morning. He was not from this area. This response followed calls on Tuesday night when witnesses reported seeing a male jump from the bridge without a parachute.

Our sincere condolences go out to his family, as well as gratitude to our Search and Rescue members and deputies who spent hours on this recovery.

Su***de continues to be a major crisis in our community as well as nationwide. Help and resources are available. Call or Text the Su***de Crisis and Lifeline at 9-8-8, go to the emergency room, the Crisis Center or dial 9-1-1 for immediate help.

05/27/2026

Battle Of The Badges

Who will donate more blood? Our thoughts are that Law Enforcement has this one in the bag! You never know about those Paramedics or Fire Fighters though. Join us on June 3rd to help make a difference!

05/26/2026

Looks like those dry conditions coupled with winds have thrust South Central Idaho into fire season sooner than anticipated. Prayers to those fighting the fires that they will be safe as they fight this fire near Oakley.

The Summit Creek Fire was detected this afternoon around 2 pm today 11 miles southeast of Oakley, Idaho. The fire is now estimated at 515 acres.

Air attack is on scene coordinating aerial resources, including a Type 1 helicopter and large air tankers. On-the-ground resources on scene are actively engaging and prioritizing structure protection. More resources are on order, including hotshot crews.

Updates will follow as information becomes available.

05/25/2026

05/24/2026

Motorcycle Crash

As the Sheriff's Office was concluding their preliminary investigation of the drowning at Dierkes Lake, we received a call for assistance in the area of 2323 Rock Creek Road by the Cassia County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were dispatched to a motorcyle crash on a trail. Both Patrol and Range responded to the crash. The rider and passenger were transported by Air St.Luke’s.

05/24/2026

First Responders Respond to Water Emergency at Dierkes Lake Park

At approximately 7:02 p.m. on May 23, 2026, first responders were dispatched to Dierkes Lake Park for a report of a 12-year-old boy who had gone underwater and did not resurface.

The Twin Falls County Sheriff Search and Rescue Dive Team responded to the scene and located the juvenile male in the water. He was transported by ambulance to St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center, where he later died.

The following agencies responded to the incident:
Twin Falls Police Department
Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office
Twin Falls Fire Department
Magic Valley Paramedics
St. Luke’s Life Flight

This incident remains under investigation and is being led by the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office. No names are being released at this time pending notification of family.

Shoshone Falls and Dierkes Lake Park were closed following the incident and will remain closed for the remainder of the evening.

Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this difficult time.

No additional information is being released at this time. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.

05/23/2026

That time of year has arrived. For many, school is out and Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer travel and recreation. For those in the first responder community, however, it also marks the beginning of what’s commonly known as the “100 Deadliest Days” — a time when serious crashes and water-related incidents increase dramatically.

Our deputies will be out on the roads and waterways throughout the holiday weekend working to keep everyone safe. We ask everyone to do their part so families can enjoy the weekend and make it home safely.

As you travel this weekend:
• Slow down and obey posted speed limits
• Put the phone away and avoid distracted driving
• Never drive impaired
• Buckle up and make sure passengers are properly restrained
• Be patient and give yourself extra travel time

If you’re heading to the water:
• Always wear a life jacket — especially children and inexperienced swimmers
• Use extra caution around rivers and reservoirs, as water levels are extremely low this year and conditions can change quickly
• Be aware of hidden hazards, strong currents, and shallow areas
• Never operate a boat under the influence
• Keep a close eye on children near the water at all times

We want everyone to enjoy the long weekend safely. Make smart choices, look out for one another, and help us make this Memorial Day weekend a safe one for our entire community.