Update on June 16th: The name of the male victim was officially released as Joseph James Friese, 42 years old of Great Falls. Condolences are sent to his family and friends. His obituary may be found at https://gfgazette.com/2025/06/obituary-of-joseph-james-friese/
On Sunday, June 8, 2025, Great Falls Fire Rescue responded to two emergencies that occurred hours apart on the Missouri River.
The first incident took place at 11:42 AM when a woman jumped from the Warden Bridge. She landed in the water and tried to swim, but unfortunately, she quickly became exhausted. The dedicated team at Great Falls Fire Rescue swiftly deployed their rescue boat to reach her and, assisted her out of the water. She was brought back to shore and transported to Benefis East for a medical evaluation.
Later that day, at 4:22 PM, another tragedy unfolded when a male entered the river, in an attempt to retrieve his RC boat. Witnesses reported seeing him struggling to stay afloat before he went underwater and didn’t resurface.
Great Falls Fire Rescue, along with the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, Cascade County Search and Rescue, and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, launched boats to search for him. The Great Falls Police Department also deployed a drone to gain an aerial perspective on the situation. Unfortunately, when the male was located, he was pronounced dead at the scene due to drowning.
With the summer season just beginning, please ensure you are safe around water. Ensure sure that you take proper safety precautions and have the proper safety gear with you.
Some tips include:
– Know your limitations, including physical fitness, and medical conditions.
– Never swim alone. Swim with lifeguards and/or water watchers present.
– Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for your weight and size and the water activity. – Always wear a life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill.
– Swim sober.
– Understand the dangers of hyperventilation and hypoxic blackout.
– Know how to call for help.
– Understand and adjust for the unique risks of the water environment you are in, including river currents, ocean rip currents, water temperature, shallow or unclear water, and underwater hazards, such as vegetation and animals.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
