A 14-year-old aspiring rancher from Montana, Jory Thomas, attributes his faith and training for being in the right place at the right time to save a man from drowning in the Yellowstone River. During a family camping trip near Greycliff, Montana, Thomas heard cries for help on July 5. He and his family spotted several individuals in the water, one clinging to a cooler but not calling out.
Authorities reported that a raft and a paddleboard had collided with a bridge pillar, causing four people to be thrown into the river. While three managed to reach safety, one man continued to drift downstream.
“The current was strong, and he was moving quickly,” Thomas explained. “I was focused on helping him out of the water.”
Thomas quickly reacted. He emptied his pockets, crossed waist-deep water, and ran along the riverbank. He then used a 12-foot lariat he had packed—something he normally didn’t carry on camping trips.
“I decided to rope him and pull him out before he drifted too far,” Thomas recounted. “Luckily, I caught him on the first try.” He maneuvered the man towards the shore through chest-deep water until emergency personnel arrived.
Thomas, who began practicing roping seriously while assisting with cattle on his family’s ranch, attributes his decisive action to guidance from his faith. “I felt God was directing me,” he reflected. “I never thought my ranch skills would save a human life, only cattle. But I’m grateful I was there to help.”
The Sweet Grass County Sheriff’s Office recognized Thomas’s bravery with a Certificate of Achievement. Sheriff Alan Ronneberg and Undersheriff Ron Swanson praised him for his efforts near Pelican Fishing Access, posting, “Well done, Jory!” on social media.