Montana Teen’s Lasso Skills Save Man in Yellowstone River
A dramatic rescue unfolded on the Yellowstone River when a 14-year-old Montana youth, Jory Thomas, utilized his cowboy skills to save a man from drowning. The incident occurred on July 5 near Greycliff, Montana, when Thomas and his family were camping. They heard cries for help emanating from the river, prompting Jory to spring into action.
A Swift Response to a River Emergency
The commotion involved four individuals whose raft and paddleboard had collided with a bridge pillar, sending them into the water. While three managed to reach the safety of the shore, one man remained adrift, desperately clinging to a cooler. The current in the Yellowstone River was strong and moving swiftly, making the situation increasingly perilous.
“We all heard, ‘Help, help,'” Jory recounted. “There’s two or three people floating down the river, one hanging on to the cooler, and he wasn’t saying anything.” Witnessing the man being carried downstream, Jory recognized the urgency. “This current was pretty fast then, and he was moving pretty quickly,” he explained. “Only thing I could focus on was helping him get out of the water because I didn’t want to see anyone go in front of me.”
From Ranch Practice to River Rescue
Without hesitation, Jory emptied his pockets, navigated a waist-deep side channel, and ran along the riverbank. His objective was clear: to reach the struggling man before the current swept him further away. He retrieved a 12-foot lariat he had brought with him, a tool he had been diligently practicing with for months on his family’s ranch.
“My first instinct I thought was try and rope him and drag him out before he gets too far down the river,” Jory stated. “Luckily, I caught him first try.” The precision of his throw was remarkable, securing the man on the first attempt. Jory then carefully pulled the man towards the shore, wading through chest-deep water until emergency responders arrived on the scene.
Faith and Fortitude in a Crisis
Jory, who has been honing his roping abilities while working with cattle on the family ranch, expressed a profound sense of purpose regarding the event. He believes his actions were guided by a higher power. “God was basically putting me in the place of all this,” he shared. “God was just telling me all of this at the time and saying, ‘Go get him, you got it, and I believe in you.'”
Reflecting on the experience, Jory admitted he never anticipated that the skills he developed for ranch work would translate into saving a human life. “I just thought I could help with cattle,” he said. “Not really helping humans and stuff like that. But I’m glad I was here to help.” This unexpected application of his talents highlights the versatility of learned skills and the importance of preparedness.
Official Recognition for a Heroic Act
The Sweet Grass County Sheriff’s Office formally recognized Jory’s bravery and quick thinking. The Sheriff’s Office presented him with a Certificate of Achievement for his heroic rescue near Pelican Fishing Access. Sheriff Ronneberg and Undersheriff Swanson commended the young man for his decisive actions in a critical situation. In a social media post, the sheriff’s office lauded his efforts, stating, “Well done, Jory!” This recognition underscores the significant impact of Jory’s courage and skill in averting a tragedy on the Yellowstone River.
The incident serves as a powerful reminder of how everyday skills, combined with courage and a willingness to act, can make a life-saving difference. Jory Thomas’s quick thinking and expert lassoing not only saved a man’s life but also demonstrated the profound impact one individual can have in a moment of crisis.
